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CNC Programmer/Set-Up I Salary in the United States

How much does a CNC Programmer/Set-Up I make in the United States?

As of September 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $74,280
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $56,090 to $69,090
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $49,444
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence CNC Programmer/Set-Up I Salaries

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 geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do CNC Programmer/Set-Up I 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/Set-Up Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $70,190.
  • California: $69,990.
  • Massachusetts: $68,990.

Top Paying Cities for CNC Programmer/Set-Up Is

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: $79,990
  • San Francisco: $79,090
  • Oakland: $77,490

What Skills Can Increase a CNC Programmer/Set-Up I'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/Set-Up I's salary.

  • Decision Making: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Mechanical Engineering: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Manufacturing Engineering: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Decision Making $70,997
12%
Mechanical Engineering $69,729
10%
Manufacturing Engineering $68,461
8%
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CNC Programmer/Set-Up I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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 $71,549. While startup companies pay approximate $60,572.

CNC Programmer/Set-Up I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $60,572
Growth Stage 51~500 $64,039
Established 501~5000 $69,107
Enterprise 5000+ $71,549

CNC Programmer/Set-Up I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industries for a CNC Programmer/Set-Up I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$72,898$35.015%
MFG Durable$66,560$32.05%

How Education impacts a CNC Programmer/Set-Up I's Salary?

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

Typical Education for CNC Programmer/Set-Up I
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%
View as Graph

CNC Programmer/Set-Up I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 September 01, 2026
$56,090
Average $63,390/year
$69,090
$4,674
Average $5,283/month
$5,758
$1,079
Average $1,219/week
$1,329
$27
Average $30/hour
$33
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $69,090 $5,758 $1,329 $33
Average $63,390 $5,283 $1,219 $30
25th Percentile $56,090 $4,674 $1,079 $27

CNC Programmer/Set-Up I Salary Growth & Career Path

CNC Programmer/Set-Up I

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Advancement

For 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.

Most common benefits for CNC Programmer/Set-Up I

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

Common company salaries for CNC Programmer/Set-Up I

Here are companies hiring for CNC Programmer/Set-Up I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about CNC Programmer/Set-Up I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for CNC Programmer/Set-Up I?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for CNC Programmer/Set-Up I roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.

2. How much do CNC engineers make in the US?

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.

3. Do CNC programmers need a degree?

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.

4. Is CNC in high demand?

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.

5. What is the highest salary of CNC?

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.

6. How long is CNC operator training?

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.

7. What is the salary of CNC programmer per month?

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.

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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