Skip to main content

Occupational Employment Statistics


DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA

51-9162 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.

Geography Click link for Career Profile EmploymentEmp SE*Percentiles
Mean10th25thMedian75th90th
Central Minnesota 15016$33.91/hr$24.98/hr$28.92/hr$34.41/hr$37.57/hr$39.60/hr


IndustryOES Employment (Statewide)OES Median Wage (Statewide)
ConstructionN/AN/A
Manufacturing860$34.06/hr
Professional and Business Services160$39.87/hr
 
Geography Click link for details EmploymentMedian WageProjections
% Change 2022-2032
Grand Forks ND-MN MSA N/AN/AN/A
Mankato-North Mankato MN MSA N/A$29.56/hrN/A
Fargo ND-MN MSA 10$33.41/hrN/A
La Crosse WI-MN MSA 10$30.19/hrN/A
Northeast Balance of State 10$32.46/hrN/A
Northeast Minnesota 20$34.18/hrN/A
Duluth MN-WI MSA 20$29.80/hrN/A
Rochester MN MSA 20$35.49/hrN/A
St Cloud MN MSA 30$33.58/hrN/A
Southwest Balance of State 40$33.61/hrN/A
Southeast Balance of State 50$30.54/hrN/A
Southwest Minnesota 60$29.36/hr25.0%
Southeast Minnesota 70$32.46/hr24.1%
Central Minnesota 150$34.41/hr26.8%
Northwest Minnesota 150$24.20/hrN/A
Northwest Balance of State 150$24.20/hrN/A
Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN 590$37.83/hr27.0%
Minneapolis-St Paul-Bloomington MN-WI MSA 710$37.53/hrN/A
Minnesota 1,030$34.85/hr21.4%




  • 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.