As of June 2026, Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers has an AI-exposure score of 70/100 (High exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index, blending O*NET tasks, the Anthropic Economic Index, the Penn/OpenAI study, and BLS data. This is an estimate of task exposure, not a prediction of job loss.
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
More exposed than 92% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$68,120. About 3,100 projected openings a year (BLS 2024–34 — growth plus replacement).
Pay & demand figures are US medians (BLS, in USD) — your local figures will differ. Your exposure score applies broadly.
How this role compares to similar Production roles
What this role usually involves
Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.
Source: O*NET 29.1 exact occupation - Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers, SOC 51-9162.00. Context describes the role; the AI-exposure score remains a separate task-exposure estimate.
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers tasks, by AI exposure
- Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media.
- Enter coordinates of hole locations into program memories by depressing pedals or buttons of programmers.
- Sort shop orders into groups to maximize materials utilization and minimize machine setup time.
- Perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on machines.
- Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.
No durable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as automatable (80%).
We analyzed all 15 Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers tasks — 12 automatable and 3 augmentable. The full task map — every task with exactly what to do about each — is in your Career Report.
Your report unlocks three concrete artifacts
Every task scored with what to automate, augment, or protect.
5-10 adjacent roles with salary, demand, and reachability.
A keepable roadmap plus resume and LinkedIn repositioning.
Grounded in O*NET + the Anthropic Economic Index + BLS — not generic ChatGPT advice.
Safer adjacent roles
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Every task scored with what to do about it · 5–10 safer roles with salary, demand & reachability · skill-gap map · a 30/60/90-day roadmap · plus a résumé & LinkedIn rewrite · PDF.
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AI was the most-cited reason for U.S. layoffs through mid-2026 — the workers who adapt earliest fare best. — Challenger, Gray & Christmas, 2026The upside: Workers with AI skills earn a roughly 62% wage premium — adapting pays. — PwC Global AI Jobs Barometer, 2026
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