As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a CNC Programmer, Entry in the United States is $63,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a CNC Programmer, Entry's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A CNC Programmer, Entry'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 Programmer, Entry'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 Programmer, Entry | 0-2 years | $63,394 |
| CNC Programmer, Experienced | 2-4 years | $72,346 |
| CNC Programmer, Senior | 4-7 years | $85,281 |
| CNC Programmer, Lead | 7+ years | $109,493 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract CNC Programmer, Entries. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Process Improvement | 1.66% |
| Continuous Improvement | 1.39% |
| Quality Control | 0.87% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Decision Making
|
$71,008 |
12%
|
|
Mechanical Engineering
|
$69,740 |
10%
|
|
Manufacturing Engineering
|
$68,472 |
8%
|
|
Production Schedule
|
$67,838 |
7%
|
|
Project Management
|
$67,838 |
7%
|
|
Innovation
|
$67,204 |
6%
|
CNC Programmer, Entry salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $71,732. While startup companies pay approximate $60,721.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $60,721 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $64,203 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $69,283 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $71,732 |
For CNC Programmer, Entry roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and MFG Durable sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 15% above the average. In contrast, CNC Programmer, Entry positions in MFG Nondurable or Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view CNC Programmer, Entry as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $72,910 | $35.0 | 15% |
| MFG Durable | $66,570 | $32.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many CNC Programmer, Entries enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a CNC Programmer, Entry with a Associate's Degree is between $58,119 and $62,752).
CNC Programmer, Entry Salaries by Degree Level
| 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 Programmer, Entry'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.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026For a CNC Programmer, Entry, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the CNC Programmer, Experienced role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $72,350 - a projected growth of 14% over your current level.
Salaries for a CNC Programmer, Entry 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 Programmer, Entry salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $57,369 |
| 2024 | $56,940 |
| 2025 | $56,608 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for CNC Programmer, Entry roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.
CNC Programmers earn a salary range of $56,300 to $74,670, with a median salary of $64,370. Among the highest-paying cities in the U.S., Tempe, AZ offers approximately $72,500 annually, while Anaheim, CA follows closely. Other notable cities include Englewood, CO and Mesa, AZ, contributing to competitive salaries in the field.
Yes, you can make money with CNC projects! CNC Programmers earn between $56,300 and $74,670 annually, with a median salary of $64,370. From creating decorative items to kitchen tools and toys, there are numerous profitable opportunities in the CNC business that can generate income online.
CNC Programmers at Tesla earn between $56,300 and $74,670 annually, with a median salary of $64,370. This reflects competitive compensation in the industry, aligning with the skills and expertise required for the role.
To get CNC certified, you can pursue certification from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS). Candidates must complete a performance-based written and practical exam. Certification is available at three levels, including CNC set-up programmer and certified journeyworker. As an entry-level CNC programmer, you can expect a salary ranging from $56,300 to $74,670, with a midpoint of $64,370.
CNC Programmers can earn competitive salaries, with entry-level positions typically ranging from $56,300 to $74,670 annually. Cities like Minneapolis, MN, and Racine, WI, offer some of the highest hourly rates, with CNC Machinists earning around $29.14 and $26.92, respectively. This indicates strong earning potential in these areas.
CNC programmers can often work remotely or in a hybrid setup, depending on project requirements and company policies. They may provide remote support or conduct on-site training for junior programmers and machine operators as necessary. The salary for entry-level CNC programmers ranges from $56,300 to $74,670, with a midpoint of $64,370.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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