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

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a CNC Programmer/Set-Up IV in the United States is $109,590 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $129,268
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $102,890 to $119,890
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $96,790
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 IV Salaries

A CNC Programmer/Set-Up IV's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do CNC Programmer/Set-Up IV 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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $121,290.
  • California: $120,790.
  • Massachusetts: $119,190.

Top Paying Cities for CNC Programmer/Set-Up IVs

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: $138,190
  • San Francisco: $136,690
  • Oakland: $133,790

CNC Programmer/Set-Up IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

CNC Programmer/Set-Up IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $122,788. While startup companies pay approximate $103,936.

CNC Programmer/Set-Up IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $103,936
Growth Stage 51~500 $109,886
Established 501~5000 $118,591
Enterprise 5000+ $122,788

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

For CNC Programmer/Set-Up IV 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 MFG Nondurable and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, CNC Programmer/Set-Up positions in Software & Networking or MFG Durable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view CNC Programmer/Set-Up IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

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

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
MFG Nondurable$131,508$63.020%
Aerospace & Defense$120,549$58.010%

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

Understanding how a CNC Programmer/Set-Up IV'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
$102,890
Average $109,590/year
$119,890
$8,574
Average $9,133/month
$9,991
$1,979
Average $2,108/week
$2,306
$49
Average $53/hour
$58
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $119,890 $9,991 $2,306 $58
Average $109,590 $9,133 $2,108 $53
25th Percentile $102,890 $8,574 $1,979 $49

Most common benefits for CNC Programmer/Set-Up IV

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

Common company salaries for CNC Programmer/Set-Up IV

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

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FAQ about CNC Programmer/Set-Up IV

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

The MFG Nondurable industry offers the highest average compensation for CNC Programmer/Set-Up IV roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. How much do CNC programmers make at Boeing?

CNC Programmers at Boeing can expect to earn between $113,090 and $143,390 annually, with a median salary of approximately $132,590. This reflects the specialized skills and experience required for the role, positioning it well above the national average for similar positions.

3. What is the highest paid CNC machinist?

The highest paid CNC Programmers/Set-Ups can earn a salary ranging from $113,090 to $143,390, with a median salary of $132,590. While specific city data shows hourly rates, the overall salary range highlights the potential for significant earnings in this profession across various locations in the United States.

4. What are the disadvantages of CNC operators?

5 Disadvantages of CNC Machines: High Initial Cost: Acquiring a CNC machine can be expensive, with salaries for CNC Programmers/Set-Up ranging from $113,090 to $143,390. Maintenance & Repair Costs: Despite reducing labor needs, CNC machines require significant upkeep. Training & Skill Requirements: Operators need specialized training. Dependence on Electricity: Power outages can halt production. Less Flexibility for One-Off Designs.

5. Do cnc operators make good money?

CNC Programmers/Set-Ups can earn a competitive salary, with a minimum of $113,090, a mid-range of $132,590, and a maximum of $143,390. This indicates that skilled CNC professionals can make good money, especially compared to the average hourly pay for CNC Operators in California, which ranges from $19.47 to $26.59.

6. 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 $113,090 to $143,390, the profession offers competitive compensation, reflecting the ongoing need for skilled CNC programmers and set-up operators in various industries.

7. Can a CNC programmer work remotely?

CNC programmers can often work remotely or in a hybrid setup, depending on project requirements and company policies. They may provide remote support or conduct on-site training for junior programmers and machine operators as necessary. Salaries for CNC programmers range from $113,090 to $143,390, with a mid-salary of $132,590.

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.)

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