Computer-controlled Tool Programmer

Explore This Path

Computer-controlled Tool Programmer

Ideal for tech enthusiasts who love precision and automation in manufacturing.
Shape the future by programming machines that craft essential components.
Unique role blending creativity and technical skills to perfect machine operations.

💰 Earn $63K-$92K

📚 Vocational Training

⏱️ 12–24 MONTH TRAINING

📈 14.9% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

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

Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.
Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.
Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.
Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
Write instruction sheets and cutter lists for a machine's controller to guide setup and encode numerical control tapes.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Vocational Training

Career Prospects

Excellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

1 to 2 years

Job Openings

3,300 Annually

Median Earnings

$75,920 in California

$63,440 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

$150K

$175K

$200K

$225K

$250K

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Thinking and problem solving
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring

You value 🙏

Having support
Having freedom
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Computer-controlled Tool Programmer

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years