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Jobs / Production and manufacturing / 51-9162.00

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.

US jobs
28,500
Median wage
$68,120 a year
Job family
Production and manufacturing

Can agents do the work of computer numerically controlled tool programmers?

We read the evidence for the whole job family, Production and manufacturing: Unmeasured (no change in 12 months)

No direct benchmark gives a success rate.

0% of this occupation's work, by O*NET work activities, is measured by a direct benchmark.

  • 40%Program computer systems or production equipmentNot measured
  • 8%Test performance of equipment or systemsNot measured
  • 8%Read documents or materials to inform work processesNot measured
  • 7%Determine operational methods or proceduresNot measured
  • 6%Create visual designs or displaysNot measured
  • 5%Purchase goods or servicesNot measured
  • 5%Maintain facilities or equipmentNot measured
  • 5%Evaluate the quality or accuracy of dataNot measured

Benchmarks for the job family

These cover work in production and manufacturing, not always this occupation's tasks.

Also relevant

These benchmarks cover part of this family's work, or have no result yet. They do not set its step.

Typical tasks

From O*NET 31.0. Core tasks first. Few of these tasks have a benchmark today.

  • 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.
Other job titles for this occupation (30)

CAD Programmer (Computer-Aided Design Programmer) · CAM Programmer (Computer-Aided Manufacturing Programmer) · CNC Machine Operator (Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator) · CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist) · CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator) · CNC Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Programmer) · CNC Tech (Computer Numerical Control Technician) · CNC Tool Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Tool Programmer) · Numerical Control Programmer (NC Programmer) · Programmer · Application Engineer · CNC Lathe Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Lathe Operator) · CNC Lathe Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Lathe Programmer) · CNC Lathe Programmer (Computer Numerically Controlled Lathe Programmer) · CNC Lathe Programmer Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Lathe Programmer Operator) · CNC Machine Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Machine Programmer) · CNC Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist) · CNC Mill Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Mill Programmer) · CNC Milling and Turning Setup Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Milling and Turning Setup Programmer) · CNC Milling Setup Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Milling Setup Programmer) · CNC Process Control Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Process Control Programmer) · CNC Programmer (Computer Numerically Controlled Programmer) · CNC Turning Setup Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Turning Setup Programmer) · Metal Numerical Control Programmer · Metal Numerical Tool Programmer · Numerical Control Tool Programmer (NC Tool Programmer) · Numerical Tool Programmer · Plastic Numerical Tool Programmer · Process Control Programmer · Sheet Metal CNC Programmer (Sheet Metal Computer Numerically Controlled Programmer)