Skills it runs on
The capabilities O*NET rates most important for this occupation — the human ground the work is built on.
See all skills →Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
Occupation · SOC 51-9162.00
Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.
Also called: CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist) · CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator) · CNC Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Programmer) · Programmer · CAD Programmer (Computer-Aided Design Programmer) · CAM Programmer (Computer-Aided Manufacturing Programmer) · CNC Machine Operator (Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator) · CNC Tech (Computer Numerical Control Technician) · CNC Tool Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Tool Programmer) · Numerical Control Programmer (NC Programmer) · Application Engineer · CNC Lathe Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Lathe Operator)
Job family: Production Occupations
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/roles/role-51-9162-00/context.md directly.
AI work map
A fast read on where AI already shows up in this occupation, where it stays a copilot, where humans remain in the loop, and what the labor market is doing. Built from observed Claude.ai conversations mapped to O*NET tasks and from published research — measures of usage and exposure, not advice or predictions that the job is going away.
Market signal
Independent published positions, read together — not a forecast.
- Growing fast employment outlook (+12.8% by 2034)
- 3,100 openings/yr
- High AI exposure
- Median pay $65,670/yr
93rd-percentile task overlap — yet about 3,100 openings a year (+12.8% projected, BLS) . What exposure means →
AI & job outlook
What today's research says about this occupation's exposure to AI, how AI is actually being used in it, and where employment is headed. These are positions within published studies — measures of exposure and usage, not predictions that this job will disappear.
Exposure to current AI
Each study uses its own scale, so the raw scores are not comparable across rows — the percentile (this job's rank among all U.S. occupations with data) is the comparable figure, and sizes the bars.
| Measure | Rank vs all occupations | Percentile | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) High | 77th | 0.9 | |
| AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) High | 99th | 0.4 |
OpenAI's exposure study scores tasks three ways: with a language model alone (α 0.7), with simple added tooling (β 0.8), and including AI-powered software (γ 0.9). Higher means more of the job's tasks could be done at least twice as fast — not that they will be automated away.
How AI is actually used in this job
Among measured AI assistant conversations mapped to this occupation (Anthropic Economic Index, 2026-01-15), these task types came up most. These are shares of observed AI conversations — not shares of the job, of worker time, or of what could be automated.
| Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency. | 54.8% | |
| Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved. | 13.0% |
Job outlook
Independent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projection for 2024–2034 — a labor-market forecast, not an AI-impact forecast.
| Outlook | Growing fast · +12.8% by 2034 |
| Projected annual openings | 3,100 |
| Employment 2024 → 2034 | 28,300 → 31,900 |
“Annual openings” counts new jobs plus replacements for workers who leave the occupation, so it can be large even when growth is modest.
Tasks
All 16 tasks O*NET lists for this occupation, ordered by importance. Each links to its own page with AI-exposure and observed-use detail.
- Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes. Core · importance 4.6
- Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates. Core · importance 4.5
- Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications. Core · importance 4.4
- Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks. Core · importance 4.4
- Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures. Core · importance 4.3
- Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media. Core · importance 4.2
- Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved. Core · importance 4.2
- Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency. Core · importance 4.1
- Enter coordinates of hole locations into program memories by depressing pedals or buttons of programmers. Supplemental · importance 4.0
- Sort shop orders into groups to maximize materials utilization and minimize machine setup time. Core · importance 3.8
- Compare encoded tapes or computer printouts with original part specifications and blueprints to verify accuracy of instructions. Core · importance 3.8
- Prepare geometric layouts from graphic displays, using computer-assisted drafting software or drafting instruments and graph paper. Supplemental · importance 3.8
- Perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on machines. Core · importance 3.7
- Write instruction sheets and cutter lists for a machine's controller to guide setup and encode numerical control tapes. Core · importance 3.5
- Align and secure pattern film on reference tables of optical programmers, and observe enlarger scope views of printed circuit boards. Supplemental · importance 3.3
- Draw machine tool paths on pattern film according to guidelines for tool speed and efficiency, using colored markers. Supplemental
Work activities
- Determine production equipment settings.
- Select production equipment according to product specifications.
- Program equipment to perform production tasks.
- Study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements.
- Calculate dimensions of workpieces, products, or equipment.
- Conduct test runs of production equipment.
- Verify information or specifications.
- Enter commands, instructions, or specifications into equipment.
- Create diagrams or blueprints for workpieces or products.
- Plan production or operational procedures or sequences.
- Inspect completed work to ensure proper installation.
- Align equipment or machinery.
- Perform basic equipment maintenance.
- Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
- Purchase products or services.
Knowledge, skills & abilities
O*NET importance rating, from 1 (not important) to 5 (extremely important).
Knowledge
| Production and Processing | 4.3 | |
| Engineering and Technology | 4.1 | |
| Mathematics | 4.0 | |
| Design | 3.9 | |
| Computers and Electronics | 3.8 | |
| English Language | 3.6 | |
| Education and Training | 3.4 | |
| Mechanical | 3.3 |
Abilities
| Near Vision | 4.0 | |
| Problem Sensitivity | 3.9 | |
| Information Ordering | 3.9 | |
| Perceptual Speed | 3.8 | |
| Mathematical Reasoning | 3.5 | |
| Category Flexibility | 3.1 | |
| Visualization | 3.1 | |
| Selective Attention | 3.1 | |
| Oral Comprehension | 3.0 | |
| Written Comprehension | 3.0 | |
| Oral Expression | 3.0 | |
| Written Expression | 3.0 | |
| Deductive Reasoning | 3.0 | |
| Inductive Reasoning | 3.0 | |
| Number Facility | 3.0 | |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | 3.0 |
Transferable skills
| Programming | 3.8 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.1 | |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.1 | |
| Systems Analysis | 3.1 | |
| Operation and Control | 3.0 | |
| Troubleshooting | 3.0 | |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.0 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.0 | |
| Systems Evaluation | 3.0 | |
| Time Management | 3.0 |
Essential skills
| Monitoring | 3.5 | |
| Mathematics | 3.1 | |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.0 | |
| Active Listening | 3.0 | |
| Speaking | 3.0 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3.0 |
Skills in demand
Skills employers ask for in job postings for this occupation (Lightcast), with whether each is a common or specialized skill.
Showing the top 40 of 42.
Tools & technology
Showing the top 40 of 78.
Work context
How characteristic each condition is of the job, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale (higher = more present in day-to-day work). Each condition links to how it varies across all occupations.
How to get in
- Job zone
- Zone 2 — Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Typical entry-level education
- Postsecondary nondegree award · BLS, the typical path — not a requirement
- Related experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Preparation level
- SVP (Below 6.0) — total schooling plus on-the-job experience.
What to study: Precision Production . Fields of study crosswalked to this occupation (NCES CIP–SOC), not a requirement.
Education of current workers
Share of people in this occupation at each level of education.
| High School Diploma | 32.8% | |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 31.4% | |
| Some College Courses | 19.7% | |
| Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 14.3% | |
| Bachelor's Degree | 1.9% |
Interests & work styles
The interests and personal qualities O*NET associates with people who do this work.
Career interests (Holland / RIASEC)
| Conventional | 5.9 | |
| Realistic | 4.9 | |
| Investigative | 3.6 | |
| Enterprising | 1.7 |
Interest areas
| Mechanics/Electronics | 4.9 | |
| Engineering | 4.7 | |
| Information Technology | 4.0 | |
| Mathematics/Statistics | 3.6 | |
| Construction/Woodwork | 2.0 | |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | 1.7 | |
| Physical/Manual Labor | 1.7 |
Work styles
| Attention to Detail | 2.8 | |
| Dependability | 2.5 | |
| Cautiousness | 2.0 | |
| Intellectual Curiosity | 1.9 | |
| Achievement Orientation | 1.8 |
Wages & employment
U.S. · annual wages (BLS OEWS)
| 10th percentile | $45,760 |
| 25th percentile | $55,960 |
| Median (50th) | $65,670 |
| 75th percentile | $80,300 |
| 90th percentile | $97,930 |
| People employed | 28,230 |
Industries that employ this occupation
Where these workers are employed, by number of jobs (national, BLS OEWS). Pay shown is the occupation's national median, not industry-specific.
| Industry | Workers | National median pay |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing · Sector | 25,210 | $65,660 |
| Machine Shops · National industry | 4,900 | $68,490 |
| Wholesale Trade · Sector | 1,070 | $63,720 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services · Sector | 870 | $68,520 |
| Construction · Sector | 410 | $61,770 |
| Engineering Services · National industry | 310 | $76,440 |
| Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services · Sector | 180 | $67,390 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises · Sector | 150 | $85,610 |
| Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors · National industry | 120 | $73,670 |
| Temporary Help Services · National industry | 100 | $76,510 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) · Sector | 80 | $54,650 |
| Transportation and Warehousing · Sector | 70 | $66,520 |
Where this work is most concentrated
Industries where this occupation is far more common than in the economy as a whole. The location quotient is how many times more concentrated it is here (a value of 5 means five times its economy-wide share).
| Industry | Concentration | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Machine Shops · National industry | 103.03× | 4,900 |
| Manufacturing · Sector | 10.79× | 25,210 |
| Engineering Services · National industry | 1.46× | 310 |
| Wholesale Trade · Sector | 0.97× | 1,070 |
| Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors · National industry | 0.52× | 120 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services · Sector | 0.44× | 870 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises · Sector | 0.29× | 150 |
| Construction · Sector | 0.28× | 410 |
Related occupations
Part of the Advanced Manufacturing career cluster.
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators · 51-9161.00 Compare →
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- Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic · 51-4062.00 Compare →
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · 51-4035.00 Compare →
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Side-by-side comparisons place two occupations’ pay, preparation, skills, and AI exposure on the same page — same data, same scale, no forecast.
What you can do with this
Options the data surfaces for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers — not advice or a forecast. Each is a real cross-link you can follow into the evidence.
Skills that travel
Capabilities this work builds that are used across many other occupations.
Adjacent roles
Occupations O*NET rates as related — the nearby moves on the map.
Paths in
How people typically prepare for this work.
- Postsecondary nondegree award · typical entry level
- Job zone 2 — Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed · preparation tier
- Precision Production · field of study
Zoom out
See where this work sits in the bigger picture.
Write a report on thisheadline · factoids · citation
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers show 93rd-percentile AI task overlap — and about 3,100 annual U.S. openings
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers rank in the 93rd percentile (High band) for AI task overlap across U.S. occupations — a measure of how much of the work today's AI can attempt, not how much is automated.Eloundou et al. (GPTs are GPTs) + Felten AIOE
- The occupation is projected to see about 3,100 U.S. job openings per year (2024–34), counting growth and replacement — a labor-demand projection made independently of AI.BLS Employment Projections 2024–34
- BLS projects employment to be growing fast (+12.8%) from 2024 to 2034.BLS Employment Projections 2024–34
- Median annual pay is $65,670, across about 28,230 U.S. workers.BLS OEWS (May 2024)
Copy the whole kit
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers show 93rd-percentile AI task overlap — and about 3,100 annual U.S. openings • Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers rank in the 93rd percentile (High band) for AI task overlap across U.S. occupations — a measure of how much of the work today's AI can attempt, not how much is automated. (Eloundou et al. (GPTs are GPTs) + Felten AIOE) • The occupation is projected to see about 3,100 U.S. job openings per year (2024–34), counting growth and replacement — a labor-demand projection made independently of AI. (BLS Employment Projections 2024–34) • BLS projects employment to be growing fast (+12.8%) from 2024 to 2034. (BLS Employment Projections 2024–34) • Median annual pay is $65,670, across about 28,230 U.S. workers. (BLS OEWS (May 2024)) Source: Singulariki — "Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers". https://singulariki.com/roles/role-51-9162-00 Note: AI task overlap measures what today's AI can attempt, not automation, job loss, or a forecast.
AssetsShare imageMethodology & sourcesPress & newsroomThe newsroom
Every line is built only from figures this page already shows and cites. AI task overlap means what today's AI can attempt — not automation, job loss, or a forecast.
Sources for this page
Every figure above traces to a named public dataset and the exact release below — not hand-written opinion. See the full methodology for what each measure does and does not mean.
- O*NET 30.3 U.S. Department of Labor / National Center for O*NET Development
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27) Anthropic
- Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai Microsoft Research
- “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130 OpenAI / academic
Data compiled June 2, 2026. Figures are estimates, not advice.
Cite this page
Plain
Singulariki. "Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers." Singulariki: a source-backed encyclopedia of work. Built from O*NET 30.3; BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024; BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034; Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27); Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai; “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130. Accessed June 7, 2026. https://singulariki.com/roles/role-51-9162-00
APA
Singulariki. (2026). Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers. Singulariki: a source-backed encyclopedia of work. Retrieved June 7, 2026, from https://singulariki.com/roles/role-51-9162-00
BibTeX
@misc{singulariki-role-51-9162-00,
title = {Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers},
author = {{Singulariki}},
year = {2026},
note = {O*NET 30.3; BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024; BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034; Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27); Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai; “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130. Accessed June 7, 2026},
url = {https://singulariki.com/roles/role-51-9162-00}
} Citations name the underlying public dataset releases — they reflect what this page is built from, not just the URL.