As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a CNC Programmer, Lead in the United States is $109,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.
However, a CNC Programmer, Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A CNC Programmer, Lead'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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a CNC Programmer, Lead'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, Leads. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
CNC Programmer, Lead salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $122,966. While startup companies pay approximate $104,079.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $104,079 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $110,047 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $118,762 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $122,966 |
For CNC Programmer, Lead roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the MFG Nondurable and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, CNC Programmer, Lead positions in Software & Networking or MFG Durable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view CNC Programmer, Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Nondurable | $131,400 | $63.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $120,450 | $58.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a CNC Programmer, Lead'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, 2026Salaries for a CNC Programmer, Lead can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $109,164 in 2023 to around $103,899 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of CNC Programmer, Lead salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $109,164 |
| 2024 | $105,949 |
| 2025 | $103,899 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The MFG Nondurable industry offers the highest average compensation for CNC Programmer, Lead roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Yes, there is a strong demand for CNC programmers in today's job market. Precision-engineered metalwork is essential across various industries, including defense, aerospace, consumer goods, and medical equipment. With salaries ranging from $113,010 to $143,340, this profession offers competitive compensation, reflecting its importance and the skills required.
The maximum salary for a CNC Programmer is $143,340 per year. The salary range typically starts at a minimum of $113,010 and averages around $132,530.
As of January 01, 2025, CNC Programmers, Lead can expect to earn between $113,010 and $143,340 annually, with a median salary of $132,530. This reflects a competitive salary range for skilled professionals in the field.
While the average salary for a CNC Programmer, Lead is around $132,530, top earners can make up to $143,340. Achieving a salary of $300K is unlikely in this field, but with specialized skills and experience, significant earnings are possible. Focus on enhancing your expertise to maximize your salary potential.
CNC Programmers at Tesla earn a salary range from $113,010 to $143,340, with a median salary of $132,530. This reflects competitive compensation in the industry, aligning with the skills and expertise required for the role.
The highest salary for a CNC Programmer, Lead is approximately $143,340 per year. The average salary typically ranges from a minimum of $113,010 to a midpoint of $132,530, reflecting the experience and skill level in the field.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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