Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
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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.
Table of contents
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
Is this job meaningful
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
Average hourly wage
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 |
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What is the work day like
Working hours
Working schedule
How often do you use email in this job?
Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Group discussions
How often do you have group discussions in this job?
Public speaking
How often does this job require you to do public speaking?
Level of competition
How much competitive pressure is in this job?
What is the work environment like
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
How to become one
Difficulty to become one
Required level of education
What level of education do you need to perform the job?
Relevant majors
Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist
Relevant work experience
How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?
On The Job Training
How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?
Should you become one
Best personality type for this career
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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