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CNC Programmer, Senior Salary in the United States

How much does a CNC Programmer, Senior make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a CNC Programmer, Senior in the United States is $85,290 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.

However, a CNC Programmer, Senior's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $106,248
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $78,300 to $96,260
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $71,936
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence CNC Programmer, Senior Salaries

A CNC Programmer, Senior's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do CNC Programmer, Senior Salaries Vary from State to State?

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, Seniors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $94,440.
  • California: $94,080.
  • Massachusetts: $92,830.

Top Paying Cities for CNC Programmer, Seniors

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:

  • San Jose: $107,580
  • San Francisco: $106,400
  • Oakland: $104,160

What Skills Can Increase a CNC Programmer, Senior's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Process Improvement (Mentioned in 1.66% Job Postings): Analyzing and improving existing processes and workflows to minimize process errors and streamline organizational efficiency.
  • Continuous Improvement (Mentioned in 1.39% Job Postings): A continual improvement process, also often called a continuous improvement process (abbreviated as CIP or CI), is an ongoing effort to improve products, services, or processes. These efforts can seek "incremental" improvement over time or "breakthrough" improvement all at once. Delivery (customer valued) processes are constantly evaluated and improved in the light of their efficiency, effectiveness and flexibility. Some see CIPs as a meta-process for most management systems (such as business process management, quality management, project management, and program management). W. Edwards Deming, a pioneer of the field, saw it as part of the 'system' whereby feedback from the process and customer were evaluated against organisational goals. The fact that it can be called a management process does not mean that it needs to be executed by 'management'; but rather merely that it makes decisions about the implementation of the delivery process and the design of the delivery process itself.
  • Quality Control (Mentioned in 0.87% Job Postings): Developing and implementing a set of procedures intended to maintain the quality of a product and reduce any risks or errors.
Skills Demand Percentage
Process Improvement 1.66%
Continuous Improvement 1.39%
Quality Control 0.87%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

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 Programmer, Senior's salary.

  • Mechanical Engineering: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Word Processing: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Mechanical Engineering $95,525
12%
Analysis $94,672
11%
Word Processing $93,819
10%
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CNC Programmer, Senior Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

CNC Programmer, Senior salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $96,268. While startup companies pay approximate $81,499.

CNC Programmer, Senior Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $81,499
Growth Stage 51~500 $86,163
Established 501~5000 $92,983
Enterprise 5000+ $96,268

CNC Programmer, Senior Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For CNC Programmer, Senior 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 Aerospace & Defense and MFG Durable sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, CNC Programmer, Senior positions in MFG Nondurable or Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view CNC Programmer, Senior as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a CNC Programmer, Senior

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$102,348$49.020%
MFG Durable$93,819$45.010%

How Education impacts a CNC Programmer, Senior's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many CNC Programmer, Seniors enter the field with a Bachelor'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, Senior with a Bachelor's Degree is between $86,607 and $93,045).

CNC Programmer, Senior Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for CNC Programmer, Senior
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 2.2%
High School 56.8%
Associates 28.4%
Bachelors 10.9%
Masters 1.6%
Doctorate 0.0%
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CNC Programmer, Senior Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a CNC Programmer, Senior'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 September 01, 2026
$78,300
Average $85,290/year
$96,260
$6,525
Average $7,108/month
$8,022
$1,506
Average $1,640/week
$1,851
$38
Average $41/hour
$46
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $96,260 $8,022 $1,851 $46
Average $85,290 $7,108 $1,640 $41
25th Percentile $78,300 $6,525 $1,506 $38

CNC Programmer, Senior Salary Growth & Career Path

CNC Programmer, Senior

Next Role

For a CNC Programmer, Senior, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the CNC Programmer, Lead role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $109,510 - a projected growth of 28% over your current level.

Most common benefits for CNC Programmer, Senior

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for CNC Programmer, Senior

Here are companies hiring for CNC Programmer, Senior and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about CNC Programmer, Senior

1. What industry pays the highest salary for CNC Programmer, Senior?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for CNC Programmer, Senior roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. Where do CNC programmers make the most money?

CNC Programmers earn competitive salaries, with a minimum of $82,120, a mid-range of $94,020, and a maximum of $104,480. Cities like Tempe, AZ, and Anaheim, CA, offer some of the highest hourly rates, around $34.86 and $33.89, respectively, contributing to the overall lucrative potential in this field.

3. Is there a demand for CNC programmers?

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 $82,120 to $104,480, this role offers competitive compensation, reflecting its importance and the skills required in the field.

4. How much do CNC programmers make at Boeing?

CNC Programmers at Boeing in the United States can expect a salary range from approximately $82,120 to $104,480 annually. The average salary for this position is around $94,020, reflecting the specialized skills and experience required in this field.

5. What is the highest paid CNC machinist?

The highest paid CNC Programmer, Senior, can earn a maximum salary of $104,480 annually. The average salary typically ranges from a minimum of $82,120 to a mid-level of $94,020. Salaries can vary significantly based on location, experience, and specific industry demands.

6. What is the highest salary of cnc?

The highest salary for a CNC Programmer, Senior, is $104,480 per year. The average salary typically ranges from a minimum of $82,120 to a midpoint of $94,020, reflecting the experience and skill level required for this role.

7. Is there a demand for CNC programmers?

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 $82,120 to $104,480, this role offers competitive compensation, reflecting its importance and the skills required in the field.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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