As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a CNC Programmer, Lead in Rhode Island is $113,530 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $55.
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 | $65,727 |
| CNC Programmer, Experienced | 2-4 years | $75,008 |
| CNC Programmer, Senior | 4-7 years | $88,419 |
| CNC Programmer, Lead | 7+ years | $113,522 |
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 $127,492. While startup companies pay approximate $107,909.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $107,909 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $114,097 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $123,133 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $127,492 |
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 | $136,236 | $65.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $124,883 | $60.0 | 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, 2026Ready 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.
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