Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)
Production · SOC 51-9162 · O*NET 51-9162.00
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers fall under the Production category in the U.S. occupational classification. Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers earn a median salary of $65,670 per year, ranking in the top 38% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +12.8% job growth through 2034, projected to grow faster than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires an apprenticeship, technical certification, or postsecondary training, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.
What do computer numerically controlled tool programmers earn?
The median annual wage for computer numerically controlled tool programmers is $65,670. That puts computer numerically controlled tool programmers at #306 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is above the U.S. median for individual workers and reflects a stable, credentialed occupation. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.
Is computer numerically controlled tool programmers a growing career?
The 10-year outlook for computer numerically controlled tool programmers is +12.8%, projected to grow faster than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 28K positions in 2024 to 31K in 2034, a net change of 3K. Faster-than-average growth means hiring is consistently outpacing the labor market overall. New entrants generally find their first roles faster than peers in stable fields.
What education does my child need to become computer numerically controlled tool programmer?
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers typically enter the field through a formal apprenticeship, technical certification, or vocational training program — a strong fit for teens who prefer hands-on learning over traditional college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.
Related careers your child might also consider
How parents help teens explore careers like this
Solyo helps parents map a teen's interests to specific careers, then back to the colleges and majors that lead there. Salary, outlook, and education data come from BLS and O*NET — the same sources high school counselors use — but presented for the parent's planning lens, not the student's exploration view.
Common questions parents ask about computer numerically controlled tool programmers
What is the median salary for computer numerically controlled tool programmers?
The median annual salary for computer numerically controlled tool programmers is $65,670 according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Is computer numerically controlled tool programmers a growing career?
BLS projects +12.8% growth for computer numerically controlled tool programmers from 2024 through 2034, which is fast growth projected to grow faster than the US average.
What education does my child need to become computer numerically controlled tool programmer?
The typical entry path requires an apprenticeship, technical certification, or postsecondary training, plus any state licensure or certification specific to the role. Programs that align well with this career can be filtered inside Solyo's college search.
What careers are similar to computer numerically controlled tool programmers?
Related occupations within the Production category share education paths and skill profiles, so they're a useful starting set when a teen is uncertain. The "Related careers" section below lists nearby options.
Salary data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics program. Skills, tasks, and education distribution from the O*NET database. Job outlook from the BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 release.