As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a CNC Machine Programmer I in the United States is $63,394 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a CNC Machine Programmer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
CNC Machine Programmer I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $69,044 | $5,754 | $1,328 | $33 |
| Average | $63,394 | $5,283 | $1,219 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,078 | $4,673 | $1,078 | $27 |
A CNC Machine Programmer I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a CNC Machine Programmer I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| CNC Machine Programmer I | 0-2 years | $63,394 |
| CNC Machine Programmer II | 2-4 years | $72,346 |
| CNC Machine Programmer III | 4-7 years | $85,281 |
| CNC Machine Programmer IV | 7+ years | $109,493 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Process Improvement | 1.66% |
| Continuous Improvement | 1.39% |
| Quality Control | 0.87% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a CNC Machine Programmer I's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Decision Making | $71,001 | |
| Mechanical Engineering | $69,733 | |
| Manufacturing Engineering | $68,466 |
CNC Machine Programmer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $71,725. While startup companies pay approximate $60,715.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $60,715 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $64,196 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $69,276 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $71,725 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many CNC Machine Programmer I enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an CNC Machine Programmer I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $60,292 and $64,952.
| Typical Education for CNC Machine Programmer I | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 1.2% |
| High School | 66.3% |
| Associates | 19.9% |
| Bachelors | 11.4% |
| Masters | 1.2% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a CNC Machine Programmer I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $69,044 | $5,754 | $1,328 | $33 |
| Average | $63,394 | $5,283 | $1,219 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,078 | $4,673 | $1,078 | $27 |
Next Role
Advancement
For a CNC Machine Programmer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the CNC Machine Programmer II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $72,346 - a projected growth of 14% over your current level.
Salaries for a CNC Machine Programmer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $57,369 in 2023 to around $56,608 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of CNC Machine Programmer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $57,369 |
| 2024 | $56,940 |
| 2025 | $56,608 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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A CNC Machine Programmer I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a CNC Machine Programmer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a CNC Machine Programmer I is $79,959.
The highest pay for CNC Machine Programmer I is $74,188.
The lowest pay for CNC Machine Programmer I is $49,417.
Programs and sets up CNC milling, lathe, or other machinery according to blueprint specifications. Reads and interprets technical blueprints and design models and inputs the product design into the computer modeling software. Adjusts machine settings to the desired product specifications, and troubleshoots and maintains the machine. Utilizes G or M code and CAM software (MasterCAM, CAMWorks, or others). Tests the accuracy of settings and programs. May require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for CNC Machine Programmer I roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.
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