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Boston Career Explorer

Production

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

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

Also called: CAD Programmer (Computer-Aided Design Programmer), CAM Programmer (Computer-Aided Manufacturing Programmer), CNC Machine Operator (Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator), CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist), CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator), CNC Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Programmer)

Compare with my current job (Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel)
Median pay in Greater Boston
$85,560
$41.14/hr
Jobs in Greater Boston
540
Massachusetts 2024–2034
+15.5%
80 openings a year
Typical U.S. entry requirement
Postsecondary nondegree award
plus Moderate-term on-the-job training

Greater Boston: Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area, May 2025. Growth and openings: Massachusetts statewide projection.

Pay range in Greater Boston

Yearly pay in Greater Boston by percentile
10th25thMedian75th90th
$61,360$71,680$85,560$98,210$105,160

10% of workers earn less than the first figure and 10% earn more than the last.

What you’d do

  • Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.
  • Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
  • Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.
  • Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.
  • 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.

AI and this job

AI exposure: how much of this job’s work AI tools can do or help with, based on national research. It is not a forecast of job loss.

Moderate exposure36 of 100

The index averages three national research measures, each shown as a percentile of all jobs:

  • AIOE 28
  • Language-model AIOE 22
  • GPTs-are-GPTs 58

Observed AI use today: Some (Anthropic Economic Index)

AI exposure for this job is moderate, and observed AI use is some. AI tools can help with calculating dimensions, analyzing drawings, and drafting machine programs. They do not replace watching trial runs, choosing tools, or making sure real parts come out right. Massachusetts job numbers are projected to grow 15.5% from 2024 to 2034 as more shops use computer-controlled machines.

Likely to change

  • Calculating dimensions, speeds, and feed rates
  • Writing and checking machine programs

Still relies on people

  • Watching trial runs on real machines
  • Choosing cutting tools and machining sequences

What federal projections say

“Demand change - share increases as manufacturers increase efficiency through more computer numerically controlled (CNC), automated, and programmable machines requiring programming by these workers.”
BLS Employment Projections 2025–35, factors affecting this job (U.S.)

Written with AI from the data on this page. Check with a career coach before making a decision.

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Training near Boston

College and school programs in the Boston metro area that lead to this job, with 2023-24 completions (IPEDS).

2 programs near Boston

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