Computer numerically controlled tool programmers
SOC Code: 51-9162
Computer numerically controlled tool programmers carries a 49% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $65,670 and +12.8% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 28,300 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 49% AI exposure, Computer numerically controlled tool programmers sits 12 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 86% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Career outlook score
60/100
Computer numerically controlled tool programmers, weighted across 3 of 3 tracked dimensions
A weighted composite of median wage, projected growth, and AI-automation security (inverted exposure), each benchmarked against every other tracked occupation. It describes this occupation's standing across those three dimensions, not a guarantee of future outcomes.
- Median wage C+ $65,670
Annual median wage, percentile rank vs all tracked occupations
- Projected growth A+ +12.8%
Projected employment change, 2024-2034, BLS Employment Projections
- AI exposure (inverted) F 49% exposure
Lower O*NET task-automability scores lower risk; this dimension scores security, not exposure
Home health and personal care aides is #1 of 832 occupations by employment (4.3M, AI exposure rank #392 at 35%) vs. Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks #1 by AI task exposure (95%, employment rank #17 at 1.6M).
Automation-risk inventory
Exclusive cut of 832 occupations by PlainWorkforce automation-risk band. Orthogonal to the continuous AI-exposure distribution chart below and to this occupation's single risk badge, this is the corpus band mix, with Computer numerically controlled tool programmers in the High band.
Credential × growth standing
Associate / award entry with a named growth shelf
Entry credential Associate / award covers 99 of 832 occupations; BLS places this one in Fast growth (67/832). Mid-credential standing - thicker than graduate shelves, thinner than HS-dominated mass.
Where Computer numerically controlled tool programmers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Where Computer numerically controlled tool programmers sits by AI exposure
AI-exposure score distribution across U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis)
49% Higher than most higher than 86% of 832 occupations
Occupations, banded by AI-exposure score
Each bar is a band; taller bars hold more occupations. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count and share, and where it sits relative to this entry.
Source O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor) · BLS 2024–2034
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Computer numerically controlled tool programmers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Computer numerically controlled tool programmers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Where This Score Comes From
Computer numerically controlled tool programmers's High automation-risk tier is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each documented task the occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The employment, wage, and education figures above come from a second, separate federal source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034, matched to the O*NET task data by Standard Occupational Classification (SOC 51-9162) code, with the wage figure cross-validated against the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024 survey. BLS figures are presented exactly as published, with no adjustment on our part; the SOC-code match is what lets Computer numerically controlled tool programmers be compared directly against every other tracked occupation on the same basis, not just roles that happen to share a job title.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Computer numerically controlled tool programmers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.
- 2. Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
- 3. Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.
- 4. Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.
- 5. Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures.
- 6. Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media.
- 7. Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.
- 8. Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency.
- 9. Enter coordinates of hole locations into program memories by depressing pedals or buttons of programmers.
- 10. Sort shop orders into groups to maximize materials utilization and minimize machine setup time.
Key Skills Required
- Programming
- Monitoring
- Mathematics
- Complex Problem Solving
- Operations Monitoring
- Systems Analysis
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
Knowledge Areas
- Production and Processing
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Design
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Mechanical
- Administrative
- Administration and Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Computer numerically controlled tool programmers?
Computer numerically controlled tool programmers has an AI exposure score of 49%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Computer numerically controlled tool programmers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Computer numerically controlled tool programmers is projected to grow by 12.8% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 28,300 workers.
What skills are needed for Computer numerically controlled tool programmers?
Key skills for Computer numerically controlled tool programmers include Programming, Monitoring, Mathematics, and others. Typical entry-level education is Postsecondary nondegree award.
How much do Computer numerically controlled tool programmers earn?
The median annual wage for Computer numerically controlled tool programmers is $65,670, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Computer numerically controlled tool programmers?
The typical entry-level education for Computer numerically controlled tool programmers is Postsecondary nondegree award. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Computer numerically controlled tool programmers?
Computer numerically controlled tool programmers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
Nationwide occupations with similar workforce profiles
Two data-derived peer sets for Computer numerically controlled tool programmers: AI-exposure neighbors and BLS 2034 growth neighbors (distinct comparison neighborhoods, cross-occupation).
Similar AI exposure score
Nearest O*NET task-automability scores nationwide (49% here).
- Cartographers and photogrammetrists · AI exposure 49%
- Computer network architects · AI exposure 49%
- Entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling · AI exposure 49%
- Environmental science and protection technicians, including health · AI exposure 49%
Similar projected growth (2024–2034)
Nearest BLS employment change rates nationwide (+12.8% here).
- Forensic science technicians · growth +12.8%
- Medical equipment repairers · growth +12.9%
- Diagnostic medical sonographers · growth +13.0%
- Counselors, all other · growth +12.6%
Peers are nearest-neighbor matches on published BLS + O*NET metrics among occupations with ≥10,000 workers in 2024; corpus ranks above sort the full tracked set.
Related Occupations
Showing 6 of 19 occupations with a comparable automation-risk profile.
What to do with this
Use Computer numerically controlled tool programmers' numbers above to compare, not just read in isolation.
- Compare Computer numerically controlled tool programmers side by side against another occupation on wage, growth, and AI exposure. Workforce comparison tool
- Understand how the AI exposure score above is actually calculated before treating it as a verdict. Reading AI exposure scores
- See the full ranked list of occupations with the lowest automation exposure nationwide. Safest occupations from AI
AI exposure scores estimate task automatability from O*NET data; they are not a certainty of job loss, and BLS growth projections are estimates, not guarantees.
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).