Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
SOC Code: 51-9162 Job Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.
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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $71,032 | $85,218 | $99,424 | $113,610 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $69,555 | $83,491 | $97,427 | $111,363 |
| Salinas, CA | $67,122 | $81,619 | $96,096 | $110,594 |
| Fresno, CA | $63,960 | $79,227 | $94,474 | $109,741 |
| Merced, CA | $62,982 | $78,291 | $93,579 | $108,888 |
| Modesto, CA | $64,334 | $79,165 | $94,016 | $108,846 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $68,786 | $81,952 | $95,139 | $108,306 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $63,211 | $77,210 | $91,187 | $105,186 |
| Wichita, KS | $57,886 | $73,632 | $89,398 | $105,144 |
| Vallejo, CA | $60,986 | $75,026 | $89,045 | $103,085 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Programming | 3.8 | |
| Monitoring | 3.5 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.1 | |
| Systems Analysis | 3.1 | |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.1 | |
| Mathematics | 3.1 | |
| Operation and Control | 3.0 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.0 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3.0 | |
| Active Listening | 3.0 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Production and Processing | 4.2 |
| Engineering and Technology | 4.1 |
| Mathematics | 4.0 |
| Design | 3.9 |
| Computers and Electronics | 3.8 |
| English Language | 3.6 |
| Education and Training | 3.4 |
| Mechanical | 3.3 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma | 32.8% |
| Some college | 31.4% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 19.7% |
| Associate's degree | 14.3% |
| Bachelor's degree | 1.9% |
Typical Tasks
- 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.
- Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures.
- Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.
- Compare encoded tapes or computer printouts with original part specifications and blueprints to verify accuracy of instructions.
- Enter coordinates of hole locations into program memories by depressing pedals or buttons of programmers.
- Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
Autodesk AutoCAD Dassault Systemes SolidWorks Extensible markup language XML Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Word SAP software 1CadCam Unigraphics 3D Systems GibbsCAM Aptean Made2Manage Autodesk Fusion 360 Autodesk PartMaker Autodesk PowerMill
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