SOC 51-9162
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ48/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ28,230
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$66K
$46K โ $98K
Projected Growth
๐+12.8%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค76/100
High exposure
๐ก Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers face a risk score of 48/100 โ 4 points above the national average of 44. With 76/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite strong projected growth. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $66K ($19K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 48/100, Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like large language model automation of analysis tasks are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 28,230 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection and setup and calibration of custom production runs to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Large language model automation of analysis tasks
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
Chatbot displacement of customer-facing interactions
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
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.
Write instruction sheets and cutter lists for a machine's controller to guide setup and encode numerical control tapes.
๐ป Technology Skills
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Computer aided design CAD software
Enterprise application integration software
Video conferencing software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Computers and Electronics
Mechanical
Mathematics
Production and Processing
Engineering and Technology
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 61% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 75% |
| Supervisors of Production Workers | 34 | $71K | 73% |