What Do Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal And Plastic Do

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Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal And Plastic

Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal And Plastic develop programs to control machining or processing of metal or plastic parts by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems.

Salary
$61010
Becoming One
Medium
Education
Post-secondary certificate
Job Satisfaction
Low
Job Growth

Personality


What they do

Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal And Plastic develop programs to control machining or processing of metal or plastic parts by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems.

  • 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.

Typical day

On a daily basis, CNC Programmers draw machine tool paths on pattern film, using colored markers and following guidelines for tool speed and efficiency. They sort shop orders into groups to maximize materials utilization and minimize machine setup time.

A typical day for a Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmer, Metal and Plastic will also include:

  • 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.
  • Compare encoded tapes or computer printouts with original part specifications and blueprints to verify the 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.

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, CNC Programmers also align and secure pattern film on reference tables of optical programmers, and observe enlarger scope views of printed circuit boards. They may also perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on machines.

On a weekly to monthly basis, CNC Programmers draw machine tool paths on pattern film, using colored markers and following guidelines for tool speed and efficiency. They might also compare encoded tapes or computer printouts with original part specifications and blueprints to verify the accuracy of instructions.

In addition, they modify existing programs to enhance efficiency.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.

To some CNC Programmers, it is also their responsibility to determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures.

What is the job like

Job satisfaction

Low

Is this job meaningful

Low

61% said they were satisfied with their job and 46% said they found their job meaningful.


Pros

Suitable for people who like to solve problems mentally.

Suitable for people who want to work in a supportive work environment.

This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.

It is not too difficult to get into this career. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.

Cons

Not suitable for people who like to help and teach others.

Salary is below average.

Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week).

How much do they make

Average salary

$61010 per year

Average hourly wage

$29 per hour

Entry-level Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal And Plastic with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $37,730 to $46,110 per year or $18 to $22 per hour.

Salary by experience Annual Hourly
Highest (Top 10%) $88,860 $43
Senior (Top 25%) $72,100 $35
Median $57,740 $28
Junior (Bottom 25%) $46,110 $22
No experience (Bottom 10%) $37,730 $18

This table shows the top 10 highest paying industries for Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal And Plastic based on their average annual salary.

Salary by industry Annual Hourly
Management of Companies and Enterprises $98370 $47.29
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing $83970 $40.37
Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing $75330 $36.22
Rental and Leasing Services $74800 $35.96
Printing and Related Support Activities $73850 $35.51
Scientific Research and Development Services $70100 $33.70
Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers $66560 $32.00
Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing $65510 $31.49
Ship and Boat Building $64880 $31.19
Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing $64410 $30.97

View more salary by industries here.

Where can they work

Where can Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal And Plastic work? Here is a table showing the top 10 largest employers of Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal And Plastic including the average salary in that industry.

Employers Total Employed Annual Salary Hourly Wages
Machine Shops; Turned Product; and Screw, Nut, and Bolt Manufacturing 5340 $61780 $29.70
Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing 2840 $58200 $27.98
Machinery Manufacturing 2050 $60560 $29.11
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing 1800 $83970 $40.37
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing 1750 $59880 $28.79
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing 1360 $58880 $28.31
Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing 960 $56890 $27.35
Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods 930 $62870 $30.23
Employment Services 580 $57850 $27.81
Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing 570 $64410 $30.97

What is the work day like

Working hours

Less than 40 hours
0%

40 hours
45%

More than 40 hours
55%

Working schedule

71%

29%

0%

Email

How often do you use email in this job?

Once a week
32%

Every day
41%

Telephone

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

Once a week
21%

Every day
32%

Group discussions

How often do you have group discussions in this job?

Once a week
1%

Every day
89%

Public speaking

How often does this job require you to do public speaking?

Never
74%

Once a year
11%

Once a month
11%

Once a week
4%

Every day
0%

Level of competition

How much competitive pressure is in this job?

Not competitive at all
26%

Slightly competitive
22%

Moderately competitive
21%

Highly competitive
18%

Extremely competitive
13%

What is the work environment like

Office-style environment

Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition

Never
17%

Once a year or more
0%

Once a month or more
10%

Once a week or more
0%

Every day
73%

Warehouse-style environment

Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse

Never
28%

Once a year or more
12%

Once a month or more
16%

Once a week or more
7%

Every day
37%

Outdoors

Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions

Never
67%

Once a year or more
33%

Once a month or more
0%

Once a week or more
0%

Every day
0%

Outdoors – Under Cover

Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)

Never
89%

Once a year or more
11%

Once a month or more
0%

Once a week or more
0%

Every day
0%

How to become one

Difficulty to become one

Medium
You will need previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience. Most careers in this difficulty category require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an Associate’s degree, and one or two years of on-the-job training. Similar careers include Travel Agents, Agricultural Technicians, Court Reports, and Medical Assistants.

Required level of education

What level of education do you need to perform the job?

Less than a High School Diploma
0%

High School Diploma or equivalent
24%

Post-Secondary Certificate
41%

Some College Courses
7%

Associate’s Degree or similar
19%

Bachelor’s Degree
10%

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
0%

Master’s Degree
0%

Post-Master’s Certificate
0%

First Professional Degree
0%

Doctoral Degree
0%

Post-Doctoral Training
0%

Relevant majors

Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist

A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to operate computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools, such as lathes, mills, precision measuring tools, and related attachments and accessories, to perform machining functions, such as cutting, drilling, shaping, and finishing products and component parts. Includes instruction in CNC terminology, setup, programming, operations, and troubleshooting; blueprint reading; machining; lathe and mill operations; technical mathematics; computer literacy; CAD/CAM systems; shop and safety practices; equipment capabilities; and regulations and laws.

Relevant work experience

How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?

None
0%

1 month
0%

1 to 3 months
10%

3 to 6 months
0%

6 months to 1 year
18%

1 to 2 years
23%

2 to 4 years
4%

4 to 6 years
26%

6 to 8 years
13%

8 to 10 years
0%

Over 10 years
7%

On The Job Training

How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?

None or short demonstration
10%

1 month
6%

1 to 3 months
13%

3 to 6 months
16%

6 months to 1 year
15%

1 to 2 years
21%

2 to 4 years
19%

4 to 10 years
0%

Over 10 years
0%

Should you become one

Best personality type for this career

The Thinker

People with this personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.

The Builder
81%

People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.


The Thinker
86%

People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.


The Artist
29%

People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.


The Helper
19%

People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.


The Leader
24%

People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.


The Organizer
86%

People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.


You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tend to like working with ideas and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.

Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.

Work Values

Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?

Achievement
57%

You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.

Working Conditions
55%

You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.

Recognition
52%

You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.

Relationships
67%

You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.

Support
71%

You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.

Independence
67%

You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.

FAQ


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