Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

Overview

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers has a national median salary of $68,120 per year, with +5.9% projected job growth from 2025–2035. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a postsecondary certificate as the typical education needed to enter this occupation.

Description

Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.

Work Values

• Support
• Independence
• Relationships

Work Styles

Responsibilities

Tasks

• Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.
• Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
• Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.
• Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.
• Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures.

Work Activities

• Working with Computers
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Getting Information
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
• Controlling Machines and Processes
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

Detailed Work Activities

• Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

T-A-S-K

Technology, Abilities, Skills & Knowledge

Education

Education Levels of Current Workers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a postsecondary certificate as the typical education needed to enter this occupation. The chart below shows the highest level of education held by people already working in this field, ages 25 and older. It includes workers who earned more education than the job requires and workers who entered the field under earlier requirements, so the largest bar is not the entry requirement. For example, if someone finished an associate's degree and then started working in this field, they are counted under “Associate's degree” here, but the job itself typically asks for a postsecondary certificate.

Certificates

Certifications applicable to Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers:

Video Resources