Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
Pay and outlook shown for
New workers start near $42,300; experienced workers reach $97,100. About 70 people do this job in San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX.
Job outlook
U.S. projection, 2024 to 2034.
- Employment change
- +13%
- Openings a year
- 3,100
- Employed in 2024
- 28,300
Typical entry education: Postsecondary nondegree award · Training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Alamo Colleges programs that lead here
1 program, with the college that teaches each.
Skills this career uses
The skills O*NET rates most important for the job, with how much of each the work needs on a 1 to 7 scale.
- Programming4.1
- Monitoring3.6
- Operations Monitoring3.8
- Active Learning3.6
- Reading Comprehension3.5
- Mathematics3.5
- Critical Thinking3.5
- Complex Problem Solving3.4
What the work is
Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.
- Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.
- Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.
- Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
- Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures.
- Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.
- Compare encoded tapes or computer printouts with original part specifications and blueprints to verify accuracy of instructions.
Education people in this job have
Share of workers by highest education, from O*NET surveys. It shows what others did, not what you must do.
- High school or less24%
- Certificate41%
- Some college7%
- Associate degree19%
- Bachelor's degree10%
Job zone 3, medium preparation: Training, an associate degree, or a few years of related experience.
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