Salary guide, May 2025
CNC Programmer pay by metro, ranked
Manufacturing Headhunters uses the published BLS OEWS figures below. They describe the mapped occupation and area, not an individual offer.
This is what we do all day: recruit manufacturing professionals.
Of 393 metros, BLS published an exact annual median for 135. The highest is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA at $102,980 and the lowest is Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL at $46,020. 0 more are published but not rankable and 258 are not published by bls.
Direct match · SOC 51-9162 Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
The CNC Programmer title maps to the published occupation. The duties align, but BLS combines employers and industries.
- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$102,980
- Wichita, KS$99,790
- St. Louis, MO-IL$94,230
- Naples-Marco Island, FL$93,770
- San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA$93,640
- Boulder, CO$91,420
- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT$89,190
- Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT$87,880
- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA$86,860
- Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH$85,560
- Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC$84,260
- Waterbury-Shelton, CT$83,730
- New Haven, CT$83,200
- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA$82,950
- Burlington-South Burlington, VT$81,170
- San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA$79,990
- Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY$79,480
- Huntsville, AL$78,910
- Worcester, MA$78,710
- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI$78,010
- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV$76,970
- Charleston-North Charleston, SC$76,710
- Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY$76,650
- Evansville, IN$76,240
- Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA$75,910
Bars show the top 25 of 135 ranked. The table below lists all 135. Literal BLS medians, May 2025.
| Rank | Metro | BLS occupation | 25th | Median | 75th | Employment | LQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $80,120 | $102,980 | $112,740 | 420 | 2.01 |
| 2 | Wichita, KS | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $64,990 | $99,790 | $105,770 | 390 | 6.93 |
| 3 | St. Louis, MO-IL | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $67,040 | $94,230 | $126,560 | 290 | 1.19 |
| 4 | Naples-Marco Island, FL | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $77,310 | $93,770 | $94,640 | 40 | 1.39 |
| 5 | San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $73,250 | $93,640 | $115,800 | 260 | 0.59 |
| 6 | Boulder, CO | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $71,670 | $91,420 | $107,780 | 40 | 1.04 |
| 7 | Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $79,360 | $89,190 | $101,790 | 290 | 2.6 |
| 8 | Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $65,830 | $87,880 | $98,460 | 70 | 0.96 |
| 9 | Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $77,890 | $86,860 | $99,150 | 400 | 1.04 |
| 10 | Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $71,680 | $85,560 | $98,210 | 540 | 1.08 |
| 11 | Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $68,240 | $84,260 | $87,020 | 100 | 0.73 |
| 12 | Waterbury-Shelton, CT | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $61,510 | $83,730 | $95,930 | 60 | 2.05 |
| 13 | New Haven, CT | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $61,680 | $83,200 | $98,210 | 40 | 0.77 |
| 14 | Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $67,330 | $82,950 | $100,020 | 1,350 | 1.17 |
| 15 | Burlington-South Burlington, VT | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $67,270 | $81,170 | $86,210 | 50 | 2.4 |
| 16 | San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $63,440 | $79,990 | $96,260 | 270 | 0.96 |
| 17 | Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $66,930 | $79,480 | $86,130 | 30 | 0.62 |
| 18 | Huntsville, AL | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $64,590 | $78,910 | $78,920 | 140 | 2.87 |
| 19 | Worcester, MA | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $67,650 | $78,710 | $82,550 | 70 | 1.15 |
| 20 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $66,940 | $78,010 | $84,230 | 850 | 2.39 |
| 21 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $61,890 | $76,970 | $87,750 | 70 | 0.13 |
| 22 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $64,590 | $76,710 | $82,580 | 60 | 0.8 |
| 23 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $67,650 | $76,650 | $94,360 | 50 | 0.64 |
| 24 | Evansville, IN | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $63,780 | $76,240 | $77,010 | 30 | 1.28 |
| 25 | Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $60,000 | $75,910 | $79,980 | 60 | 1.33 |
| 26 | Springfield, MA | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $62,400 | $75,830 | $80,530 | 80 | 2.23 |
| 27 | Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $66,590 | $75,660 | $90,840 | 400 | 1.81 |
| 28 | Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $58,650 | $75,500 | $85,790 | 370 | 0.86 |
| 29 | Salt Lake City-Murray, UT | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $60,000 | $75,480 | $85,280 | 80 | 0.53 |
| 30 | Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $62,670 | $74,030 | $82,240 | 150 | 0.65 |
| 31 | Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $56,820 | $73,920 | $93,500 | 70 | 0.38 |
| 32 | Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $61,920 | $73,740 | $83,120 | 100 | 1.28 |
| 33 | York-Hanover, PA | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $61,750 | $73,190 | $79,720 | 40 | 1.25 |
| 34 | Portland-South Portland, ME | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $64,180 | $72,920 | $77,390 | 30 | 0.58 |
| 35 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $60,620 | $72,870 | $80,370 | 80 | 1.15 |
| 36 | Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $61,250 | $72,790 | $85,500 | 30 | 0.78 |
| 37 | Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $60,330 | $71,600 | $80,720 | 180 | 2.68 |
| 38 | New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $56,900 | $71,310 | $84,860 | 780 | 0.45 |
| 39 | Kansas City, MO-KS | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $57,770 | $71,180 | $76,960 | 160 | 0.78 |
| 40 | Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $60,730 | $71,060 | $80,240 | 410 | 0.56 |
| 41 | Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $60,000 | $70,840 | $81,650 | 140 | 1.38 |
| 42 | Birmingham, AL | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $55,860 | $70,790 | $83,390 | 80 | 0.84 |
| 43 | Greeley, CO | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $53,110 | $70,730 | $85,140 | 30 | 1.54 |
| 44 | Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $69,320 | $70,420 | $86,730 | 100 | 0.49 |
| 45 | Knoxville, TN | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $64,810 | $70,230 | $88,890 | 40 | 0.56 |
| 46 | Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $58,630 | $70,230 | $90,140 | 270 | 0.86 |
| 47 | Reading, PA | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $62,640 | $70,060 | $75,540 | 40 | 1.11 |
| 48 | Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $58,250 | $69,820 | $81,220 | 720 | 1.19 |
| 49 | Tulsa, OK | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $62,300 | $69,700 | $87,630 | 130 | 1.6 |
| 50 | Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $58,240 | $69,570 | $84,800 | 230 | 0.78 |
| 51 | Spartanburg, SC | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $62,040 | $69,470 | $83,460 | 40 | 1.2 |
| 52 | Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $61,150 | $69,400 | $82,080 | 800 | 0.97 |
| 53 | Eugene-Springfield, OR | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $56,380 | $69,120 | $80,200 | 30 | 1.17 |
| 54 | Winston-Salem, NC | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $57,860 | $69,110 | $78,270 | 80 | 1.66 |
| 55 | Greensboro-High Point, NC | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $57,860 | $69,070 | $80,760 | 90 | 1.31 |
| 56 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $62,310 | $68,860 | $79,410 | 60 | 1.61 |
| 57 | Peoria, IL | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $61,900 | $68,640 | $73,000 | 40 | 1.48 |
| 58 | San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $59,130 | $68,520 | $74,540 | 70 | 0.36 |
| 59 | Saginaw, MI | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $59,730 | $68,260 | $77,800 | 30 | 2.26 |
| 60 | Sheboygan, WI | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $68,020 | $68,020 | $68,020 | 250 | 22.32 |
| 61 | Pittsburgh, PA | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $60,170 | $67,930 | $73,480 | 250 | 1.25 |
| 62 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $63,020 | $67,710 | $73,020 | 30 | 0.68 |
| 63 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $59,770 | $67,650 | $80,810 | 80 | 1.07 |
| 64 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $58,280 | $67,400 | $77,930 | 350 | 0.67 |
| 65 | Oshkosh-Neenah, WI | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $60,430 | $67,160 | $73,210 | 30 | 1.95 |
| 66 | St. Cloud, MN | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $60,020 | $67,050 | $78,450 | 50 | 2.75 |
| 67 | Manchester-Nashua, NH | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $57,780 | $66,960 | $81,590 | 70 | 1.81 |
| 68 | Oklahoma City, OK | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $52,490 | $66,950 | $81,970 | 70 | 0.56 |
| 69 | Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $66,840 | $66,860 | $71,560 | 650 | 4.29 |
| 70 | Traverse City, MI | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $63,810 | $66,780 | $75,870 | 40 | 3.14 |
| 71 | North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $55,140 | $66,670 | $78,880 | 40 | 0.63 |
| 72 | Rochester, NY | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $61,670 | $66,650 | $77,620 | 220 | 2.41 |
| 73 | Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $53,680 | $66,150 | $79,560 | 190 | 0.77 |
| 74 | Syracuse, NY | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $60,310 | $66,130 | $82,360 | 50 | 0.89 |
| 75 | Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $60,390 | $65,870 | $77,350 | 1,030 | 2.96 |
| 76 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $47,540 | $65,670 | $79,940 | 120 | 0.47 |
| 77 | Raleigh-Cary, NC | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $58,040 | $65,660 | $79,880 | 50 | 0.4 |
| 78 | Richmond, VA | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $59,370 | $65,630 | $75,860 | 40 | 0.33 |
| 79 | Tucson, AZ | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $61,130 | $65,520 | $78,430 | 60 | 0.87 |
| 80 | Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $61,790 | $65,500 | $83,350 | 80 | 1.29 |
| 81 | Fort Wayne, IN | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $54,010 | $65,490 | $72,810 | 190 | 4.64 |
| 82 | Colorado Springs, CO | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $57,610 | $65,470 | $82,610 | 50 | 0.84 |
| 83 | Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $56,800 | $65,430 | $80,260 | 280 | 1.38 |
| 84 | Madison, WI | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $61,660 | $65,350 | $75,040 | 120 | 1.67 |
| 85 | Toledo, OH | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $55,850 | $64,940 | $76,350 | 50 | 0.94 |
| 86 | Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $58,250 | $64,660 | $80,890 | 130 | 0.99 |
| 87 | Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $58,430 | $64,520 | $79,520 | 40 | 1.3 |
| 88 | Rockford, IL | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $57,760 | $64,370 | $73,560 | 60 | 2.38 |
| 89 | Columbus, OH | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $49,840 | $64,230 | $74,280 | 130 | 0.62 |
| 90 | Jacksonville, FL | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $50,660 | $64,080 | $73,600 | 50 | 0.36 |
| 91 | Canton-Massillon, OH | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $55,660 | $64,020 | $77,420 | 50 | 1.54 |
| 92 | Lancaster, PA | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $57,180 | $63,960 | $76,300 | 80 | 1.63 |
| 93 | Cleveland, OH | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $59,040 | $63,840 | $74,880 | 490 | 2.57 |
| 94 | Boise City, ID | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $52,170 | $63,790 | $70,890 | 40 | 0.49 |
| 95 | Memphis, TN-MS-AR | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $50,190 | $63,720 | $86,540 | 60 | 0.58 |
| 96 | Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $50,550 | $63,570 | $78,220 | 30 | 1.79 |
| 97 | Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $58,510 | $63,560 | $76,300 | 480 | 4.39 |
| 98 | South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $56,410 | $63,100 | $77,730 | 60 | 2.32 |
| 99 | Appleton, WI | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $61,140 | $62,850 | $74,520 | 60 | 2.49 |
| 100 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $56,850 | $62,800 | $73,070 | 50 | 0.99 |
| 101 | Ann Arbor, MI | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $57,870 | $62,780 | $74,210 | 40 | 1.02 |
| 102 | Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $51,000 | $62,570 | $79,880 | 190 | 0.36 |
| 103 | Jackson, MI | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $57,410 | $62,470 | $77,050 | 50 | 4.4 |
| 104 | Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $52,960 | $62,220 | $65,150 | 50 | 0.21 |
| 105 | Longview, TX | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $57,510 | $62,130 | $69,570 | 40 | 2.03 |
| 106 | Green Bay, WI | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $60,300 | $62,050 | $67,060 | 80 | 2.35 |
| 107 | Elkhart-Goshen, IN | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $53,680 | $62,020 | $78,790 | 90 | 3.96 |
| 108 | Akron, OH | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $47,000 | $61,910 | $78,640 | 110 | 1.93 |
| 109 | Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $53,670 | $61,870 | $77,030 | 70 | 3.11 |
| 110 | Omaha, NE-IA | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $44,050 | $61,870 | $64,930 | 30 | 0.37 |
| 111 | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $53,560 | $61,600 | $72,110 | 100 | 0.82 |
| 112 | Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $56,510 | $61,470 | $71,510 | 50 | 4.52 |
| 113 | Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $57,140 | $61,450 | $75,950 | 240 | 0.46 |
| 114 | Duluth, MN-WI | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $48,720 | $61,450 | $69,700 | 40 | 1.61 |
| 115 | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $48,700 | $61,140 | $65,260 | 70 | 2.33 |
| 116 | Asheville, NC | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $56,920 | $61,110 | $72,730 | 40 | 1.11 |
| 117 | Eau Claire, WI | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $57,730 | $61,010 | $66,300 | 30 | 1.98 |
| 118 | Youngstown-Warren, OH | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $55,560 | $61,000 | $78,700 | 40 | 1.44 |
| 119 | Niles, MI | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $58,130 | $60,850 | $72,650 | 40 | 3.88 |
| 120 | Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $54,990 | $60,330 | $64,820 | 60 | 3.72 |
| 121 | Wausau, WI | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $52,000 | $59,160 | $65,720 | 40 | 3.41 |
| 122 | Cedar Rapids, IA | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $48,130 | $59,050 | $74,460 | 40 | 1.6 |
| 123 | Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $43,060 | $58,910 | $74,480 | 180 | 0.69 |
| 124 | Bowling Green, KY | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $57,960 | $58,800 | $86,330 | 30 | 2.09 |
| 125 | Erie, PA | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $56,680 | $58,320 | $68,420 | 40 | 1.99 |
| 126 | Columbus, IN | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $55,440 | $57,770 | $77,170 | 40 | 4.4 |
| 127 | Reno, NV | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $42,730 | $57,690 | $73,710 | 40 | 0.85 |
| 128 | Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $45,420 | $57,200 | $78,410 | 60 | 0.31 |
| 129 | Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $51,430 | $56,950 | $70,860 | 330 | 1.65 |
| 130 | Lynchburg, VA | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $49,860 | $56,380 | $73,750 | 30 | 1.94 |
| 131 | Dubuque, IA | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $50,390 | $55,770 | $60,420 | 50 | 5.03 |
| 132 | Fort Smith, AR-OK | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $50,180 | $54,500 | $62,130 | 30 | 1.89 |
| 133 | Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $51,720 | $53,770 | $67,780 | 40 | 0.59 |
| 134 | Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $47,120 | $51,540 | $66,340 | 30 | 0.51 |
| 135 | Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162) | $39,150 | $46,020 | $66,670 | 90 | 2.74 |
What should you know about not published by BLS?
Abilene, TX, Aguadilla, PR, Albany, GA, Albany, OR, Albuquerque, NM, Alexandria, LA, Altoona, PA, Amarillo, TX, Ames, IA, Amherst Town-Northampton, MA, Anchorage, AK, Anniston-Oxford, AL, Arecibo, PR, Athens-Clarke County, GA, Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ, Auburn-Opelika, AL, Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC, Bakersfield-Delano, CA, Bangor, ME, Barnstable Town, MA, Baton Rouge, LA, Battle Creek, MI, Bay City, MI, Beckley, WV, Bellingham, WA, Bend, OR, Billings, MT, Binghamton, NY, Bismarck, ND, Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA, Bloomington, IL, Bloomington, IN, Bozeman, MT, Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA, Brownsville-Harlingen, TX, Brunswick-St. Simons, GA, Burlington, NC, Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL, Cape Girardeau, MO-IL, Carson City, NV, Casper, WY, Chambersburg, PA, Champaign-Urbana, IL, Charleston, WV, Charlottesville, VA, Cheyenne, WY, Chico, CA, Clarksville, TN-KY, Cleveland, TN, Coeur d'Alene, ID, College Station-Bryan, TX, Columbia, MO, Columbia, SC, Columbus, GA-AL, Corpus Christi, TX, Corvallis, OR, Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL, Dalton, GA, Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL, Decatur, AL, Decatur, IL, Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL, Dothan, AL, Dover, DE, Eagle Pass, TX, El Centro, CA, Elizabethtown, KY, Elmira, NY, El Paso, TX, Enid, OK, Fairbanks-College, AK, Fargo, ND-MN, Farmington, NM, Fayetteville, NC, Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR, Flagstaff, AZ, Flint, MI, Florence, SC, Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL, Fond du Lac, WI, Fort Collins-Loveland, CO, Fresno, CA, Gadsden, AL, Gainesville, FL, Gainesville, GA, Gettysburg, PA, Glens Falls, NY, Goldsboro, NC, Grand Forks, ND-MN, Grand Island, NE, Grand Junction, CO, Grants Pass, OR, Great Falls, MT, Greenville, NC, Guayama, PR, Gulfport-Biloxi, MS, Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV, Hammond, LA, Hanford-Corcoran, CA, Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA, Harrisonburg, VA, Hattiesburg, MS, Helena, MT, Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC, Hinesville, GA, Homosassa Springs, FL, Hot Springs, AR, Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA, Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH, Idaho Falls, ID, Iowa City, IA, Ithaca, NY, Jackson, MS, Jackson, TN, Jacksonville, NC, Janesville-Beloit, WI, Jefferson City, MO, Johnson City, TN, Johnstown, PA, Jonesboro, AR, Joplin, MO-KS, Kahului-Wailuku, HI, Kankakee, IL, Kennewick-Richland, WA, Kenosha, WI, Killeen-Temple, TX, Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA, Kingston, NY, Kokomo, IN, La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN, Lafayette, LA, Lake Charles, LA, Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ, Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL, Laredo, TX, Las Cruces, NM, Lawrence, KS, Lawton, OK, Lebanon, PA, Lewiston, ID-WA, Lewiston-Auburn, ME, Lexington-Fayette, KY, Lexington Park, MD, Lima, OH, Lincoln, NE, Logan, UT-ID, Longview-Kelso, WA, Lubbock, TX, Macon-Bibb County, GA, distribution management software, KS, Mankato, MN, Mansfield, OH, Mayaguez, PR, McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX, Medford, OR, Merced, CA, Michigan City-La Porte, IN, Midland, MI, Midland, TX, Minot, ND, Missoula, MT, Mobile, AL, Modesto, CA, Monroe, LA, Monroe, MI, Montgomery, AL, Morgantown, WV, Morristown, TN, Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA, Muncie, IN, Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC, Napa, CA, New Orleans-Metairie, LA, Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT, Ocala, FL, Odessa, TX, Ogden, UT, Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA, Owensboro, KY, Paducah, KY-IL, Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL, Parkersburg-Vienna, WV, Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL, Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC, Pittsfield, MA, Pocatello, ID, Ponce, PR, Port St. Lucie, FL, Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ, Provo-Orem-Lehi, UT, Pueblo, CO, Punta Gorda, FL, Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI, Rapid City, SD, Redding, CA, Roanoke, VA, Rochester, MN, Rocky Mount, NC, Rome, GA, St. George, UT, St. Joseph, MO-KS, Salem, OR, Salinas, CA, Salisbury, MD, San Angelo, TX, Sandusky, OH, San Juan-Bayamon-Caguas, PR, San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, Santa Fe, NM, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA, Savannah, GA, Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor, FL, Sebring, FL, Sherman-Denison, TX, Shreveport-Bossier City, LA, Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ, Sioux City, IA-NE-SD, Sioux Falls, SD-MN, Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA, Springfield, IL, Springfield, MO, Springfield, OH, State College, PA, Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA, Stockton-Lodi, CA, Sumter, SC, Tallahassee, FL, Terre Haute, IN, Texarkana, TX-AR, Topeka, KS, Trenton-Princeton, NJ, Tuscaloosa, AL, Twin Falls, ID, Tyler, TX, Urban Honolulu, HI, Utica-Rome, NY, Valdosta, GA, Vallejo, CA, Victoria, TX, Vineland, NJ, Visalia, CA, Waco, TX, Walla Walla, WA, Warner Robins, GA, Watertown-Fort Drum, NY, Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH, Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA, Wheeling, WV-OH, Wichita Falls, TX, Wildwood-The Villages, FL, Williamsport, PA, Wilmington, NC, Winchester, VA-WV, Yakima, WA, Yuba City, CA, Yuma, AZ.
What should you know about role pay against all occupations, by metro?
Ratio = this role's published median divided by the all-occupations median in the same metro, same units, both exact. A ratio above 1.00 means the role's median is higher than the metro's all-occupations median. It makes no cost-of-living claim. Location quotient (LQ) is employment concentration, not a wage index.
- Wichita, KS2.10
- Naples-Marco Island, FL1.96
- St. Louis, MO-IL1.88
- Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC1.70
- Evansville, IN1.64
- Waterbury-Shelton, CT1.63
- Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC1.58
- Charleston-North Charleston, SC1.56
- Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY1.56
- Huntsville, AL1.53
- York-Hanover, PA1.52
- Tulsa, OK1.49
- Knoxville, TN1.49
- Winston-Salem, NC1.49
- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT1.49
- Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ1.49
- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA1.49
- Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL1.48
- Greensboro-High Point, NC1.48
- Birmingham, AL1.48
- Saginaw, MI1.48
- Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ1.47
- Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA1.46
- Springfield, MA1.46
- Spartanburg, SC1.46
Bars show the highest 25 of 135. The table lists all.
| Metro | Role median | All-occupations median | Ratio | LQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wichita, KS | $99,790 | $47,630 | 2.10 | 6.93 |
| Naples-Marco Island, FL | $93,770 | $47,800 | 1.96 | 1.39 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $94,230 | $49,990 | 1.88 | 1.19 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | $84,260 | $49,430 | 1.70 | 0.73 |
| Evansville, IN | $76,240 | $46,540 | 1.64 | 1.28 |
| Waterbury-Shelton, CT | $83,730 | $51,440 | 1.63 | 2.05 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC | $73,740 | $46,580 | 1.58 | 1.28 |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $76,710 | $49,150 | 1.56 | 0.8 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $79,480 | $50,990 | 1.56 | 0.62 |
| Huntsville, AL | $78,910 | $51,740 | 1.53 | 2.87 |
| York-Hanover, PA | $73,190 | $48,170 | 1.52 | 1.25 |
| Tulsa, OK | $69,700 | $46,670 | 1.49 | 1.6 |
| Knoxville, TN | $70,230 | $47,080 | 1.49 | 0.56 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $69,110 | $46,380 | 1.49 | 1.66 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | $89,190 | $59,940 | 1.49 | 2.6 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $72,870 | $48,990 | 1.49 | 1.15 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $82,950 | $55,850 | 1.49 | 1.17 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | $72,790 | $49,030 | 1.48 | 0.78 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | $69,070 | $46,570 | 1.48 | 1.31 |
| Birmingham, AL | $70,790 | $47,770 | 1.48 | 0.84 |
| Saginaw, MI | $68,260 | $46,200 | 1.48 | 2.26 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | $75,500 | $51,380 | 1.47 | 0.86 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $67,710 | $46,330 | 1.46 | 0.68 |
| Springfield, MA | $75,830 | $51,930 | 1.46 | 2.23 |
| Spartanburg, SC | $69,470 | $47,650 | 1.46 | 1.2 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $68,520 | $47,010 | 1.46 | 0.36 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $70,230 | $48,400 | 1.45 | 0.86 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $71,600 | $49,980 | 1.43 | 2.68 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT | $87,880 | $61,470 | 1.43 | 0.96 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $66,950 | $47,230 | 1.42 | 0.56 |
| Reading, PA | $70,060 | $49,440 | 1.42 | 1.11 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | $69,820 | $49,410 | 1.41 | 1.19 |
| Traverse City, MI | $66,780 | $47,470 | 1.41 | 3.14 |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL | $66,670 | $47,440 | 1.41 | 0.63 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $71,180 | $50,820 | 1.40 | 0.78 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | $64,020 | $45,810 | 1.40 | 1.54 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $70,420 | $50,390 | 1.40 | 0.49 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | $70,840 | $50,790 | 1.39 | 1.38 |
| Youngstown-Warren, OH | $61,000 | $43,800 | 1.39 | 1.44 |
| Eugene-Springfield, OR | $69,120 | $49,680 | 1.39 | 1.17 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | $75,910 | $54,660 | 1.39 | 1.33 |
| New Haven, CT | $83,200 | $60,060 | 1.39 | 0.77 |
| Peoria, IL | $68,640 | $49,590 | 1.38 | 1.48 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $71,060 | $51,440 | 1.38 | 0.56 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | $54,500 | $39,560 | 1.38 | 1.89 |
| Longview, TX | $62,130 | $45,150 | 1.38 | 2.03 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $65,490 | $47,700 | 1.37 | 4.64 |
| Tucson, AZ | $65,520 | $47,760 | 1.37 | 0.87 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $67,930 | $49,650 | 1.37 | 1.25 |
| Salt Lake City-Murray, UT | $75,480 | $55,240 | 1.37 | 0.53 |
| Rockford, IL | $64,370 | $47,120 | 1.37 | 2.38 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $79,990 | $58,690 | 1.36 | 0.96 |
| Worcester, MA | $78,710 | $57,830 | 1.36 | 1.15 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $63,720 | $46,890 | 1.36 | 0.58 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $63,100 | $46,540 | 1.36 | 2.32 |
| Burlington-South Burlington, VT | $81,170 | $60,020 | 1.35 | 2.4 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $61,140 | $45,220 | 1.35 | 2.33 |
| Toledo, OH | $64,940 | $48,220 | 1.35 | 0.94 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $62,800 | $46,700 | 1.34 | 0.99 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | $63,560 | $47,570 | 1.34 | 4.39 |
| Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $61,470 | $46,060 | 1.33 | 4.52 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $62,220 | $46,630 | 1.33 | 0.21 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $64,520 | $48,630 | 1.33 | 1.3 |
| Lancaster, PA | $63,960 | $48,210 | 1.33 | 1.63 |
| Niles, MI | $60,850 | $45,980 | 1.32 | 3.88 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $66,150 | $49,990 | 1.32 | 0.77 |
| St. Cloud, MN | $67,050 | $50,840 | 1.32 | 2.75 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $78,010 | $59,320 | 1.32 | 2.39 |
| Boulder, CO | $91,420 | $69,580 | 1.31 | 1.04 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $64,080 | $48,830 | 1.31 | 0.36 |
| Erie, PA | $58,320 | $44,460 | 1.31 | 1.99 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $76,650 | $58,460 | 1.31 | 0.64 |
| Sheboygan, WI | $68,020 | $51,890 | 1.31 | 22.32 |
| Jackson, MI | $62,470 | $47,760 | 1.31 | 4.4 |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI | $66,860 | $51,160 | 1.31 | 4.29 |
| Bowling Green, KY | $58,800 | $45,040 | 1.31 | 2.09 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $67,650 | $51,820 | 1.31 | 1.07 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $68,860 | $52,800 | 1.30 | 1.61 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $65,430 | $50,170 | 1.30 | 1.38 |
| Asheville, NC | $61,110 | $46,870 | 1.30 | 1.11 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | $63,570 | $48,780 | 1.30 | 1.79 |
| Rochester, NY | $66,650 | $51,210 | 1.30 | 2.41 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | $74,030 | $56,950 | 1.30 | 0.65 |
| Boise City, ID | $63,790 | $49,100 | 1.30 | 0.49 |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | $62,020 | $48,070 | 1.29 | 3.96 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | $62,570 | $48,640 | 1.29 | 0.36 |
| Greeley, CO | $70,730 | $55,070 | 1.28 | 1.54 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $85,560 | $66,620 | 1.28 | 1.08 |
| Portland-South Portland, ME | $72,920 | $56,960 | 1.28 | 0.58 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | $61,870 | $48,510 | 1.28 | 3.11 |
| Richmond, VA | $65,630 | $51,460 | 1.28 | 0.33 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $61,600 | $48,370 | 1.27 | 0.82 |
| Cleveland, OH | $63,840 | $50,140 | 1.27 | 2.57 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $60,330 | $47,430 | 1.27 | 3.72 |
| Eau Claire, WI | $61,010 | $48,100 | 1.27 | 1.98 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $69,400 | $54,720 | 1.27 | 0.97 |
| Akron, OH | $61,910 | $48,840 | 1.27 | 1.93 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $65,870 | $52,080 | 1.26 | 2.96 |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | $65,660 | $51,990 | 1.26 | 0.4 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $93,640 | $74,260 | 1.26 | 0.59 |
| Appleton, WI | $62,850 | $49,910 | 1.26 | 2.49 |
| Columbus, OH | $64,230 | $51,340 | 1.25 | 0.62 |
| Syracuse, NY | $66,130 | $52,990 | 1.25 | 0.89 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $65,500 | $52,510 | 1.25 | 1.29 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $75,660 | $60,690 | 1.25 | 1.81 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $61,870 | $49,660 | 1.25 | 0.37 |
| Green Bay, WI | $62,050 | $49,940 | 1.24 | 2.35 |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI | $67,160 | $54,060 | 1.24 | 1.95 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $65,470 | $52,710 | 1.24 | 0.84 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $67,400 | $54,310 | 1.24 | 0.67 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $73,920 | $59,750 | 1.24 | 0.38 |
| Duluth, MN-WI | $61,450 | $50,000 | 1.23 | 1.61 |
| Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV | $57,200 | $46,670 | 1.23 | 0.31 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $102,980 | $84,050 | 1.23 | 2.01 |
| Lynchburg, VA | $56,380 | $46,190 | 1.22 | 1.94 |
| Wausau, WI | $59,160 | $48,790 | 1.21 | 3.41 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $64,660 | $53,680 | 1.20 | 0.99 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $58,910 | $48,940 | 1.20 | 0.69 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $61,450 | $51,170 | 1.20 | 0.46 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $59,050 | $49,360 | 1.20 | 1.6 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $86,860 | $72,610 | 1.20 | 1.04 |
| Columbus, IN | $57,770 | $48,470 | 1.19 | 4.4 |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH | $66,960 | $56,530 | 1.18 | 1.81 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | $53,770 | $45,790 | 1.17 | 0.59 |
| Reno, NV | $57,690 | $49,660 | 1.16 | 0.85 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $71,310 | $61,430 | 1.16 | 0.45 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | $56,950 | $49,340 | 1.15 | 1.65 |
| Dubuque, IA | $55,770 | $48,750 | 1.14 | 5.03 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $62,780 | $55,380 | 1.13 | 1.02 |
| Madison, WI | $65,350 | $58,080 | 1.13 | 1.67 |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | $69,570 | $62,320 | 1.12 | 0.78 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $65,670 | $59,070 | 1.11 | 0.47 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $76,970 | $71,060 | 1.08 | 0.13 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $46,020 | $48,550 | 0.95 | 2.74 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $51,540 | $60,720 | 0.85 | 0.51 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. SOC 51-9162 Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara. Official occupation data · Official area tables. Released 2026-05-15.
How should you read CNC Programmer metro ranking?
CNC Programmer metro ranking: CNC Programmer, mapped to Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162), in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA has a published annual median of $102,980 for 2025-05. This is an occupation estimate across employers, not a quoted starting rate for your opening. Read the occupation name with the amount.
A narrower plant title does not turn a broader BLS occupation into a separately measured job.
For the same CNC Programmer metro ranking: CNC Programmer, mapped to Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162), in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA row, the published lower quartile is $80,120 and the upper quartile is $112,740. These are wage distribution points, not junior and senior job grades. A person’s equipment knowledge, shift requirements and actual duties still need a separate discussion. A missing percentile stays missing rather than being filled from another occupation.
The CNC Programmer metro ranking: CNC Programmer, mapped to Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162), in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA employment estimate is 420. Employment describes people already working in the measured occupation and area. It does not count available applicants, people willing to move or candidates interested in your plant. Keep that distinction when using this CNC Programmer metro ranking to plan a search or discuss an offer with a hiring manager.
CNC Programmer metro ranking: CNC Programmer, mapped to Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162), in Oklahoma City, OK has a published annual median of $66,950 for 2025-05. This is an occupation estimate across employers, not a quoted starting rate for your opening. Read the occupation name with the amount. A narrower plant title does not turn a broader BLS occupation into a separately measured job.
For the same CNC Programmer metro ranking: CNC Programmer, mapped to Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162), in Oklahoma City, OK row, the published lower quartile is $52,490 and the upper quartile is $81,970. These are wage distribution points, not junior and senior job grades. A person’s equipment knowledge, shift requirements and actual duties still need a separate discussion. A missing percentile stays missing rather than being filled from another occupation.
The CNC Programmer metro ranking: CNC Programmer, mapped to Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162), in Oklahoma City, OK employment estimate is 70. Employment describes people already working in the measured occupation and area. It does not count available applicants, people willing to move or candidates interested in your plant. Keep that distinction when using this CNC Programmer metro ranking to plan a search or discuss an offer with a hiring manager.
CNC Programmer metro ranking: CNC Programmer, mapped to Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162), in Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL has a published annual median of $46,020 for 2025-05. This is an occupation estimate across employers, not a quoted starting rate for your opening. Read the occupation name with the amount. A narrower plant title does not turn a broader BLS occupation into a separately measured job.
For the same CNC Programmer metro ranking: CNC Programmer, mapped to Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162), in Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL row, the published lower quartile is $39,150 and the upper quartile is $66,670. These are wage distribution points, not junior and senior job grades. A person’s equipment knowledge, shift requirements and actual duties still need a separate discussion. A missing percentile stays missing rather than being filled from another occupation.
The CNC Programmer metro ranking: CNC Programmer, mapped to Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162), in Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL employment estimate is 90. Employment describes people already working in the measured occupation and area. It does not count available applicants, people willing to move or candidates interested in your plant. Keep that distinction when using this CNC Programmer metro ranking to plan a search or discuss an offer with a hiring manager.
Which questions matter for CNC Programmer metro ranking?
CNC Programmer metro ranking: CNC Programmer, mapped to Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162), in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA has a published annual median of $102,980 for 2025-05. This is an occupation estimate across employers, not a quoted starting rate for your opening.
Does CNC Programmer metro ranking give an exact offer for my plant?
CNC Programmer metro ranking: CNC Programmer, mapped to Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162), in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA has a published annual median of $102,980 for 2025-05. This is an occupation estimate across employers, not a quoted starting rate for your opening. Read the occupation name with the amount. A narrower plant title does not turn a broader BLS occupation into a separately measured job.
What does the wage band in CNC Programmer metro ranking describe?
For the same CNC Programmer metro ranking: CNC Programmer, mapped to Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162), in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA row, the published lower quartile is $80,120 and the upper quartile is $112,740. These are wage distribution points, not junior and senior job grades. A person’s equipment knowledge, shift requirements and actual duties still need a separate discussion. A missing percentile stays missing rather than being filled from another occupation.
Does the employment figure in CNC Programmer metro ranking measure available candidates?
The CNC Programmer metro ranking: CNC Programmer, mapped to Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162), in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA employment estimate is 420. Employment describes people already working in the measured occupation and area. It does not count available applicants, people willing to move or candidates interested in your plant. Keep that distinction when using this CNC Programmer metro ranking to plan a search or discuss an offer with a hiring manager.
CNC Programmer source figures · CNC Programmer source figures · CNC Programmer source figures · Methodology
What does this ranking mean for your opening?
A CNC programmer is responsible for translating engineering designs into efficient, safe machine code. Managers must distinguish between pure CAM programmers and those who also support the shop floor with setups and tool lists. The published national median for this occupation does not reflect the specialized skill required to optimize multi-axis programs or troubleshoot post-processors.
Recruiter's read. Qualitative interpretation, not another BLS estimate.
A CNC programmer is responsible for translating engineering designs into efficient, safe machine code. Managers must distinguish between pure CAM programmers and those who also support the shop floor with setups and tool lists. The published national median for this occupation does not reflect the specialized skill required to optimize multi-axis programs or troubleshoot post-processors. Focus on finding an individual who has actually cut the parts they programmed, as this experience prevents costly errors and crashes.
Before starting the search, confirm the candidate's proficiency with your specific CAM system. While programming logic is transferable, deep system knowledge affects immediate productivity. It is equally important to determine whether the programmer expects to spend all their time at a desk or if they will be required to assist on the floor. A programmer who lacks machine experience may create efficient toolpaths in theory that fail under the realities of tool deflection or material behavior on your specific equipment.
During interviews, look for candidates who can explain the rationale behind their toolpath strategies. A red flag is a programmer who blames the floor for all issues without showing curiosity about how their program impacted tool life or surface finish. Ask about their process for safely proving out a new program and how they document setup sheets. A good programmer creates documentation that empowers operators rather than creating ambiguity, which is the key to minimizing machine downtime.
Do not rely on broad salary benchmarks when seeking experienced programmers, as high-performing individuals are often well-compensated and quiet in their current roles. Instead, map the recruitment effort toward peer shops that perform similar work. Transparency regarding commute expectations, remote options and the role's level of shop-floor engagement is essential for attracting the right profile. A candidate who enjoys visiting the machine to see the final result will usually outperform one who only interacts with digital files.
What should you know about questions before using this pay map?
Do you screen for CAM Programmer versus machinist skill?
Yes: We ask each candidate how much time they spend at the machine and how much at the desk, then match that to your plan.
When do you pay a recruiting fee?
No upfront fee. You pay only if you hire.
How long does it take to see a short list?
We discuss the search conditions before describing a realistic next step. Shift, location, equipment match and the candidate's reasons for moving all matter.
What replacement terms apply?
We offer a candidate replacement promise on standard search agreements. The applicable period and exact terms are set out in the signed client recruiting agreement.