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

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

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

However, a CNC Programmer/Set-Up III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $106,305
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $78,290 to $96,290
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $71,917
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 III Salaries

A CNC Programmer/Set-Up III'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 III 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $94,490.
  • California: $94,090.
  • Massachusetts: $92,890.

Top Paying Cities for CNC Programmer/Set-Up IIIs

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: $107,590
  • San Francisco: $106,390
  • Oakland: $104,190

What Skills Can Increase a CNC Programmer/Set-Up III'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 III'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/Set-Up III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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

For CNC Programmer/Set-Up III 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 MFG Nondurable or Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view CNC Programmer/Set-Up III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

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

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/Set-Up III's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many CNC Programmer/Set-Up IIIs 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/Set-Up III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $86,635 and $93,047).

CNC Programmer/Set-Up III Salaries by Degree Level

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

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

Understanding how a CNC Programmer/Set-Up III'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
$78,290
Average $85,290/year
$96,290
$6,524
Average $7,108/month
$8,024
$1,506
Average $1,640/week
$1,852
$38
Average $41/hour
$46
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $96,290 $8,024 $1,852 $46
Average $85,290 $7,108 $1,640 $41
25th Percentile $78,290 $6,524 $1,506 $38

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

CNC Programmer/Set-Up III

Next Role

For a CNC Programmer/Set-Up III, 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/Set-Up III

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

Common company salaries for CNC Programmer/Set-Up III

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

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FAQ about CNC Programmer/Set-Up III

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

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

2. How much does a CNC machinist make at Lockheed Martin?

CNC Programmers/Set-Ups at Lockheed Martin can expect salaries ranging from approximately $82,190 to $104,490, depending on experience and specific roles. The mid-range salary is around $94,090, which reflects the competitive compensation for skilled professionals in this field.

3. What is a Level 1 CNC machinist?

A Level 1 CNC Machinist is responsible for producing machined parts by editing CNC programs, setting up, and operating CNC machines. They must adhere to safety and quality standards as per company guidelines. The salary for this position typically ranges from $82,190 to $104,490, with a mid-point of $94,090.

4. How much do CNC machine operators make in the US?

CNC Programmers/Set-Up in the US earn between $82,190 and $104,490 annually, with a median salary of $94,090. This reflects a more specialized role compared to general CNC machine operators, who typically earn an average of $49,183 per year.

5. How much do CNC programmers make at Tesla?

CNC Programmers at Tesla can expect a salary range from $82,190 to $104,490, with a median salary of around $94,090. This reflects competitive compensation in the industry, aligning with the skills and expertise required for the role.

6. Can a machinist make 100k a year?

A CNC Programmer/Set-Up can earn a salary ranging from $82,190 to $104,490 annually, with a mid-range salary of $94,090. While reaching $100,000 is possible, it typically requires significant experience and expertise in the field.

7. Where do CNC programmers make the most money?

CNC programmers can earn competitive salaries across various locations in the United States. The minimum salary is approximately $82,190, with a mid-range salary of about $94,090 and a maximum of $104,490. Cities like Tempe, AZ, and Anaheim, CA, offer some of the highest hourly rates, contributing to these overall salary figures.

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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