# Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

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

- **SOC code:** 51-9162.00
- **Canonical URL:** https://singulariki.com/roles/role-51-9162-00
- **Also known as:** 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)
- **Frame:** "AI exposure" means task overlap (how codifiable the work is), not jobs lost or a forecast. Every figure below is traced to a named public dataset.

## What this work is

**Core tasks** (O*NET):
- 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.
- Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media.
- Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.
- Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency.
- Enter coordinates of hole locations into program memories by depressing pedals or buttons of programmers.
- Sort shop orders into groups to maximize materials utilization and minimize machine setup time.
- Compare encoded tapes or computer printouts with original part specifications and blueprints to verify accuracy of instructions.
- Prepare geometric layouts from graphic displays, using computer-assisted drafting software or drafting instruments and graph paper.

## Skills, tools, capabilities

**Knowledge, skills & abilities** (O*NET, highest importance first):
- Production and Processing _(knowledge)_
- Engineering and Technology _(knowledge)_
- Near Vision _(ability)_
- Mathematics _(knowledge)_
- Design _(knowledge)_
- Problem Sensitivity _(ability)_
- Information Ordering _(ability)_
- Computers and Electronics _(knowledge)_
- Programming _(transferable_skill)_
- Perceptual Speed _(ability)_
- English Language _(knowledge)_
- Monitoring _(essential_skill)_

**Skills in demand:**
- Mathematics _(Common Skill)_
- Information Ordering _(Specialized Skill)_
- English Language _(Common Skill)_
- Visualization _(Specialized Skill)_
- Systems Analysis _(Specialized Skill)_
- Complex Problem Solving _(Common Skill)_
- Time Management _(Common Skill)_
- Speech Recognition _(Specialized Skill)_
- Reading Comprehension _(Common Skill)_
- Microsoft Word _(Common Skill)_
- Microsoft PowerPoint _(Common Skill)_
- Microsoft Outlook _(Common Skill)_

**Tools & technology:**
- Autodesk AutoCAD _(hot technology, in demand)_
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks _(hot technology, in demand)_
- Microsoft Office software _(hot technology, in demand)_
- Extensible markup language XML _(hot technology)_
- Microsoft Excel _(hot technology)_
- Microsoft Outlook _(hot technology)_
- Microsoft PowerPoint _(hot technology)_
- Microsoft Word _(hot technology)_
- SAP software _(hot technology)_
- Autodesk Fusion 360 _(in demand)_
- G-code _(in demand)_
- Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software _(in demand)_

## AI exposure & outlook

- **AI task-overlap index:** 93rd percentile (High) across all occupations — composite of current-era exposure studies (ai-exposure-index-v1).
- **LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou):** 77th percentile (High) — source: eloundou_gamma.
- **AI assistant applicability (Microsoft):** 99th percentile (High) — source: microsoft_applicability.
- **Projected employment (BLS 2024–34):** 12.8% growth (Growing fast); 3.1k annual openings; 28.3k → 31.9k jobs.
- **Pay & employment (BLS OEWS, May 2024):** median $65,670; 28,230 employed.

## Sources

- **O*NET** (30.3) — U.S. Department of Labor / National Center for O*NET Development. https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html
- **BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** (May 2024) — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- **BLS Employment Projections** (2024–2034) — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- **Anthropic Economic Index** (v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27)) — Anthropic. https://www.anthropic.com/economic-index
- **Microsoft “Working with AI”** (working-with-ai) — Microsoft Research. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/
- **“GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.)** (arXiv 2303.10130) — OpenAI / academic. https://arxiv.org/abs/2303.10130

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_Generated from Singulariki's joined dataset; data snapshot 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00. https://singulariki.com/roles/role-51-9162-00_