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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a CNC Programmer, Lead in Kentucky is $103,040 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.
However, a CNC Programmer, Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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CNC Programmer, Lead Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $112,800 | $9,400 | $2,169 | $54 |
| Average | $103,040 | $8,587 | $1,982 | $50 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,740 | $8,062 | $1,860 | $47 |
Lexair, Inc. - Lexington, KY
New Flyer - Shepherdsville, KY
Lexair, inc. - Lexington, KY
Curtiss-Wright - Louisville, KY
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 | $59,654 |
| CNC Programmer, Experienced | 2-4 years | $68,078 |
| CNC Programmer, Senior | 4-7 years | $80,249 |
| CNC Programmer, Lead | 7+ years | $103,033 |
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:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
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 $115,712. While startup companies pay approximate $97,939.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $97,939 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $103,555 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $111,756 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $115,712 |
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 | $123,648 | $59.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $113,344 | $54.0 | 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $112,800 | $9,400 | $2,169 | $54 |
| Average | $103,040 | $8,587 | $1,982 | $50 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,740 | $8,062 | $1,860 | $47 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current CNC Programmer, Lead job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
O'Neal Manufacturing Services
Hebron, KY
O'Neal Manufacturing Services | Hebron, KY
CNC Programmer. Develop, write, and optimize CNC programs for complex aerospace components using 5-axis machining in Mastercam. Create and refine advanced ... more
9 Days Ago
Universal Logistics Holdings Inc.
Louisville, KY
Universal Logistics Holdings Inc. | Louisville, KY
CNC Machinist / Programmer. Are you looking to join a dynamic team that provides its people with the tools to be successful and opportunities to grow. Univ... more
9 Days Ago
Aerotek
Florence, KY
Aerotek | Florence, KY
Machinist. The Machinist Lead provides hands-on leadership within a skilled machining environment by training, coaching, and guiding team members to safely... more
8 Days Ago
MRINetwork
Nicholasville, KY
MRINetwork | Nicholasville, KY
QA Lead / CMM Programmer. This position is full-time and works approximately 40 hours per week with occasional overtime on weekdays and/or weekends at the ... more
7 Days Ago
EST Tool & Machine
Brodhead, KY
EST Tool & Machine | Brodhead, KY
Job Description. Job Description. Utilize CAM software to program CNC mills and lathes. Communicate with clients regarding technical details. Manage legacy more
8 Days Ago
Franklin Precision Industry
Franklin, KY
Franklin Precision Industry | Franklin, KY
Job Title. General Position Summary: The role requires multi-functional skills to perform various tasks within the work area, efficiently operate all proce... more
7 Days Ago
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