As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a CNC Programmer/Set-Up II in the United States is $72,390 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a CNC Programmer/Set-Up II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A CNC Programmer/Set-Up II'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 II'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 | $63,389 |
| CNC Programmer/Set-Up II | 2-4 years | $72,336 |
| CNC Programmer, Senior | 4-7 years | $85,245 |
| CNC Programmer, Lead | 7+ years | $109,422 |
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 IIs. 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Word Processing
|
$75,286 |
4%
|
|
Project Management
|
$74,562 |
3%
|
|
Production Schedule
|
$74,562 |
3%
|
|
Technical Support
|
$74,562 |
3%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$74,562 |
3%
|
|
Initiative
|
$73,838 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many CNC Programmer/Set-Up IIs 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 II with a Associate's Degree is between $71,336 and $76,603).
CNC Programmer/Set-Up II Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.4% |
| High School | 61.0% |
| Associates | 22.0% |
| Bachelors | 13.4% |
| Masters | 1.2% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a CNC Programmer/Set-Up II'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 April 01, 2026For a CNC Programmer/Set-Up II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the CNC Programmer, Senior role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $85,250 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.
Salaries for a CNC Programmer/Set-Up II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $67,512 in 2023 to around $68,052 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of CNC Programmer/Set-Up II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $67,512 |
| 2024 | $68,248 |
| 2025 | $68,052 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A 5-axis CNC programmer typically earns between $69,090 and $88,390 annually, with a median salary of around $78,790. While some cities may offer lower salaries, the overall compensation for skilled CNC programmers reflects their expertise and the complexity of their work.
CNC Programmers/Set-Up professionals can earn competitive salaries, with a minimum of $69,090, a mid-range of $78,790, and a maximum of $88,390 annually. This indicates that CNC operators can indeed make good money, especially when compared to the average hourly pay and salary ranges reported in California.
The highest salary for a CNC Programmer/Set-Up is approximately $88,390 annually. In India, salaries vary by city, with Jamnagar, Gujarat, offering around ?29,702 per month, while Bengaluru, Karnataka, pays about ?28,308 per month. Other cities like Pune, Mumbai, and Chennai also provide competitive salaries, but they are generally lower than the maximum salary range.
CNC programmers typically need at least a high school diploma or GED. While some pursue associate degrees for advanced skills, it's not mandatory. The salary for CNC programmers ranges from $69,090 to $88,390, with a median salary of $78,790, reflecting the importance of technical training in this field.
Yes, you can make good money in CNC. CNC Programmers/Set-Ups earn between $69,090 and $88,390 annually, with a median salary of $78,790. Offering custom furniture and cabinetry services is one of the most profitable avenues in CNC woodworking, allowing skilled professionals to maximize their earnings.
Yes, you can make money with CNC router projects! From decorative items to kitchen tools and toys, there are numerous opportunities for profitable CNC-based businesses. As a CNC Programmer/Set-Up, you can expect a salary ranging from $69,090 to $88,390, depending on your experience and skills, making it a viable option for income generation.
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