As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a CNC Programmer/Set-Up I in the United States is $63,390 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a CNC Programmer/Set-Up I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A CNC Programmer/Set-Up I'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/Set-Up I'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/Set-Up I | 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/Set-Up Is. 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
|
$70,997 |
12%
|
|
Mechanical Engineering
|
$69,729 |
10%
|
|
Manufacturing Engineering
|
$68,461 |
8%
|
|
Production Schedule
|
$67,827 |
7%
|
|
Project Management
|
$67,827 |
7%
|
|
Innovation
|
$67,193 |
6%
|
CNC Programmer/Set-Up I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $71,721. While startup companies pay approximate $60,712.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $60,712 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $64,192 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $69,272 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $71,721 |
For CNC Programmer/Set-Up I 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/Set-Up positions in MFG Nondurable or Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view CNC Programmer/Set-Up I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $72,898 | $35.0 | 15% |
| MFG Durable | $66,560 | $32.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many CNC Programmer/Set-Up Is 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/Set-Up I with a Associate's Degree is between $58,156 and $62,754).
CNC Programmer/Set-Up I 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/Set-Up I'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/Set-Up I, 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/Set-Up I 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/Set-Up I 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/Set-Up I roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.
CNC Programmers/Set-Up in the US earn between $56,290 and $74,690 annually, with a median salary of $64,390. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise in the field, providing a competitive compensation structure for professionals in CNC programming.
CNC programmers typically need at least a high school diploma or GED. While some pursue associate degrees for advanced skills, it's not mandatory. In terms of salary, CNC programmers can expect to earn between $56,290 and $74,690, with a median salary around $64,390, reflecting the technical expertise required in this field.
CNC machinists are indeed in high demand, as their expertise is essential for producing precise components using CNC machines. With salaries ranging from $56,290 to $74,690, the profession offers competitive compensation, reflecting the ongoing need for skilled operators in various industries reliant on computer-aided manufacturing.
The highest salary for a CNC Programmer/Set-Up is $74,690 per year. The average salary typically ranges from a minimum of $56,290 to a midpoint of $64,390, depending on experience and skill level.
CNC operator training typically takes around 36 weeks to complete. Upon finishing, CNC Programmers/Set-Ups can expect salaries ranging from $56,290 to $74,690, with a median salary of $64,390. This training equips individuals with the skills needed for a rewarding career in CNC machining.
The salary of a CNC Programmer varies based on experience and skill level. The minimum salary is approximately ?46,908 per month, the mid-range salary is around ?53,658 per month, and the maximum salary can reach about ?62,241 per month. These figures reflect a range of earnings for CNC Programmers in the industry.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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