Occupational Employment Statistics

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51-9162 Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

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

Occupational Employment Statistics(OES) Wage Data
First Quarter 2025

Geography	Employment	Emp SE*	Percentiles
Geography	Employment	Emp SE*	Mean	10th	25th	Median	75th	90th
Minnesota	1,490	106	$34.70/hr	$22.76/hr	$29.20/hr	$37.11/hr	$40.03/hr	$44.76/hr
U S	28,230	621	$34.16/hr	$22.36/hr	$27.35/hr	$32.09/hr	$39.25/hr	$47.86/hr

Leading Industries for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

Industry	OES Employment (Statewide)	OES Median Wage (Statewide)
Construction	N/A	N/A
Manufacturing	1,370	$37.08/hr
Trade, Transportation and Utilities	N/A	N/A
Professional and Business Services	110	$41.84/hr
Leisure and Hospitality	N/A	N/A

Other Regional Data for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

Geography	Employment	Median Wage	Projections % Change 2022-2032
Grand Forks ND-MN MSA	N/A	N/A	N/A
Northeast Balance of State	N/A	N/A	N/A
Fargo ND-MN MSA	20	$32.40/hr	N/A
La Crosse WI-MN MSA	20	$31.29/hr	N/A
Mankato-North Mankato MN MSA	30	$30.56/hr	N/A
Rochester MN MSA	30	$39.65/hr	N/A
Northeast Minnesota	40	$27.80/hr	9.5%
Duluth MN-WI MSA	40	$25.84/hr	N/A
St Cloud MN MSA	40	$34.56/hr	N/A
Southwest Minnesota	60	$30.56/hr	19.0%
Southwest Balance of State	70	$26.85/hr	N/A
Southeast Balance of State	80	$31.76/hr	N/A
Southeast Minnesota	90	$32.47/hr	18.8%
Northwest Minnesota	110	$30.49/hr	25.0%
Northwest Balance of State	110	$30.49/hr	N/A
Central Minnesota	220	$33.56/hr	28.7%
Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN	960	$38.56/hr	19.4%
Minneapolis-St Paul-Bloomington MN-WI MSA	1,120	$38.51/hr	N/A
Minnesota	1,490	$37.11/hr	21.4%

Related Occupations

Occupations	Employment	Median Wage	Projections % Change 2022-2032
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians	530	$35.50/hr	4.6%
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians	1,200	$37.60/hr	2.2%
Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other	680	$38.28/hr	4.7%

Task for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

Align and secure pattern film on reference tables of optical programmers, and observe enlarger scope views of printed circuit boards.
Draw machine tool paths on pattern film according to guidelines for tool speed and efficiency, using colored markers.
Sort shop orders into groups to maximize materials utilization and minimize machine setup time.
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.
Draw machine tool paths on pattern film according to guidelines for tool speed and efficiency, using colored markers.
Compare encoded tapes or computer printouts with original part specifications and blueprints to verify accuracy of instructions.
Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.
Prepare geometric layouts from graphic displays, using computer-assisted drafting software or drafting instruments and graph paper.
Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.