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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a CNC Programmer/Set-Up II in California is $79,790 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
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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CNC Programmer/Set-Up II Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $87,190 | $7,266 | $1,677 | $42 |
| Average | $79,790 | $6,649 | $1,534 | $38 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,190 | $6,016 | $1,388 | $35 |
Ducommun - Compton, CA
Cone Health - SPRING VALLEY, NC
TECOMET - WILMINGTON, MA
TECOMET - SOMERS, WI
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, 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 | $69,924 |
| CNC Programmer/Set-Up II | 2-4 years | $79,798 |
| CNC Programmer, Senior | 4-7 years | $94,065 |
| CNC Programmer, Lead | 7+ years | $120,771 |
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:
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:
CNC Programmer/Set-Up II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $90,276. While startup companies pay approximate $76,419.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $76,419 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $80,800 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $87,194 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $90,276 |
For CNC Programmer/Set-Up II 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/Set-Up positions in Energy & Utilities or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view CNC Programmer/Set-Up II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $95,748 | $46.0 | 20% |
| MFG Durable | $87,769 | $42.0 | 10% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $87,190 | $7,266 | $1,677 | $42 |
| Average | $79,790 | $6,649 | $1,534 | $38 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,190 | $6,016 | $1,388 | $35 |
For 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 $94,070 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current CNC Programmer/Set-Up II job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Metron Machining
DENVER, CO
Metron Machining | DENVER, CO
At a glance Company: Metron Machining Location: Lakewood, Colorado 80228 Pay: $33–$37/hr DOE. up to $40/hr for a highly qualified second-shift machinist Jo... more
7 Days Ago
Kennametal
LA VERGNE, TN
Kennametal | LA VERGNE, TN
CNC Operator II 3rd Shift 11pm - 7am, Sunday - Thursday 3rd shift offers a $3.00/hr shift differential on top of regular hourly pay Key Responsibilities: S... more
12 Days Ago
Continental Tool Group
CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA
Continental Tool Group | CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA
At a glance Company: Continental Tool Group Location: Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania Pay: $30–$45 per hour Job Type: Full Time Shift: Four 10-hour days, ... more
5 Days Ago
Ravelin Defense
GREEN BAY, WI
Ravelin Defense | GREEN BAY, WI
At a glance Company: Ravelin Defense Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin Base Pay: $26.65–$32.80/hr Shift Premium: Additional $5.00/hr Total Hourly Pay: $31.65–... more
10 Days Ago
Skyway Precision
PLYMOUTH, MI
Skyway Precision | PLYMOUTH, MI
At a Glance Company: Skyway Precision Inc. Location: Plymouth, MI (On-Site) Job Type: Full-Time Pay Range: $30 - $40 per hour (based on experience) Shift: ... more
7 Days Ago
Skyway Precision
LIVONIA, MI
Skyway Precision | LIVONIA, MI
At a Glance Company: Skyway Precision Inc. Location: Livonia, MI (On-Site) Job Type: Full-Time Pay Range: $30 - $40 per hour (based on experience) Shift: 1... more
8 Days Ago
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