As of April 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:
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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 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 III'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, Experienced | 2-4 years | $72,336 |
| CNC Programmer/Set-Up III | 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 IIIs. 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Mechanical Engineering
|
$95,525 |
12%
|
|
Analysis
|
$94,672 |
11%
|
|
Word Processing
|
$93,819 |
10%
|
|
Manufacturing Support
|
$93,819 |
10%
|
|
Manufacturing Processes
|
$92,966 |
9%
|
|
Technical Support
|
$92,966 |
9%
|
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
| 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% |
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 April 01, 2026For 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 $109,430 - a projected growth of 28% over your current level.
Salaries for a CNC Programmer/Set-Up III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $86,927 in 2023 to around $85,496 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of CNC Programmer/Set-Up III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $86,927 |
| 2024 | $86,562 |
| 2025 | $85,496 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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