As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a CNC Machine Programmer I in the United States is $63,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a CNC Machine Programmer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A CNC Machine Programmer I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a CNC Machine Programmer I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| CNC Machine Programmer I | 0-2 years | $63,383 |
| CNC Programmer, Experienced | 2-4 years | $72,324 |
| CNC Programmer, Senior | 4-7 years | $85,205 |
| CNC Programmer, Lead | 7+ years | $119,312 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract CNC Machine Programmer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Process Improvement | 1.66% |
| Continuous Improvement | 1.39% |
| Quality Control | 0.87% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Technical Drawing
|
$65,302 |
3%
|
|
CAD
|
$64,668 |
2%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$64,668 |
2%
|
|
Programming
|
$64,034 |
1%
|
|
CNC
|
$63,400 |
0%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many CNC Machine Programmer Is enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a CNC Machine Programmer I with a Associate's Degree is between $58,166 and $62,764).
CNC Machine Programmer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.2% |
| High School | 66.3% |
| Associates | 19.9% |
| Bachelors | 11.4% |
| Masters | 1.2% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a CNC Machine Programmer I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 18, 2021For a CNC Machine Programmer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the CNC Programmer, Experienced role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $72,330 - a projected growth of 14% over your current level.
Salaries for a CNC Machine Programmer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $57,369 in 2023 to around $56,608 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of CNC Machine Programmer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $57,369 |
| 2024 | $56,940 |
| 2025 | $56,608 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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CNC Machine Programmers in the U.S. earn between $56,300 and $74,700 annually, with a median salary of $64,400. Related positions, such as International CNC Programmers, earn around $64,389, while CNC Mechanics make approximately $56,333. Overall, CNC technicians have competitive salaries in the manufacturing sector.
CNC operators can earn competitive salaries across various locations. The average salary for CNC Machine Programmers ranges from $56,300 to $74,700, with a midpoint of $64,400. Cities like Minneapolis, MN, and Racine, WI, offer some of the highest hourly rates, reflecting the demand for skilled machinists in the industry.
CNC machine programmers in the US earn between $56,300 and $74,700 annually, with a median salary of $64,400. This reflects a competitive wage range, highlighting the importance of skills and experience in this field.
As of January 7, 2025, a CNC Machine Programmer at Lockheed Martin can expect to earn between $56,300 and $74,700 annually, with a mid-salary of approximately $64,400. This translates to an hourly wage ranging from about $27.06 to $35.87, depending on experience and specific role within the company.
CNC programming is a promising career, offering a salary range from $56,300 to $74,700, with a mid-salary of $64,400. The field has around 28,000 job openings as of 2022, and those skilled in Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) programming can earn about 16.5% more than their peers. This makes it a lucrative option for tech-savvy individuals.
CNC Programmers at Boeing can expect a salary range between $56,300 and $74,700 annually, with a mid-salary of approximately $64,400. This reflects competitive compensation in the industry, aligning with the skills and expertise required for the role.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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