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CNC Machine Programmer I Salary in the United States

How much does a CNC Machine Programmer I make in the United States?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a CNC Machine Programmer I in the United States is $63,386 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.

However, a CNC Machine Programmer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $74,172
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $56,065 to $69,032
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $49,400
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View as table View as graph 25% $56,065 10% $49,400 90% $74,172 75% $69,032 $63,386 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

CNC Machine Programmer I Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $69,032 $5,753 $1,328 $33
Average $63,386 $5,282 $1,219 $30
25th Percentile $56,065 $4,672 $1,078 $27
Check out CNC Machine Programmer I Job Openings in the United States
Machine Operator CNC

United Gear & Assembly - HUDSON, WI

CNC Programmer

Veritas Steel LLC - EAU CLAIRE, WI

CNC Programmer

SEB Professional - MONTEBELLO, CA

CNC Programmer Manufacturing Specialist

Geartec, Inc - WILLOUGHBY, OH

Search More CNC Machine Programmer I Jobs in the United States

Key Factors That Influence CNC Machine Programmer I Salaries

A CNC Machine Programmer I'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.

How Experience Level Affects CNC Machine Programmer I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a CNC Machine Programmer I'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $62,840
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $63,555
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $64,819
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $65,071
  • Expert (over 8 years): $65,240
Levels Salary
Entry Level CNC Machine Programmer I$62,840
Intermediate Level CNC Machine Programmer I$63,555
Senior Level CNC Machine Programmer I$64,819
Specialist Level CNC Machine Programmer I$65,071
Expert Level CNC Machine Programmer I$65,240
$62,840 0 yr
$63,555 < 2 yrs
$64,819 2-4 yrs
$65,071 5-8 yrs
$65,240 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for CNC Machine Programmer Is

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: $79,949
  • San Francisco: $79,163
  • Oakland: $77,407

What Skills Can Increase a CNC Machine Programmer I'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.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Process Improvement 1.66%
Continuous Improvement 1.39%
Quality Control 0.87%
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 Machine Programmer I's salary.
  • Decision Making: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Mechanical Engineering: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Manufacturing Engineering: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Decision Making
$70,992
12%
Mechanical Engineering
$69,725
10%
Manufacturing Engineering
$68,457
8%
Production Schedule
$67,823
7%
Project Management
$67,823
7%
Innovation
$67,189
6%
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How Education impacts a CNC Machine Programmer I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many CNC Machine Programmer Is 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 Machine Programmer I with a Associate's Degree is between $58,976 and $63,644).

CNC Machine Programmer I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for CNC Machine Programmer I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.2%
High School 66.3%
Associates 19.9%
Bachelors 11.4%
Masters 1.2%
Doctorate 0.0%
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CNC Machine Programmer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a CNC Machine Programmer I'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 January 01, 2026

CNC Machine Programmer I Salary Growth & Career Path

For a CNC Machine Programmer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the CNC Machine Programmer II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $72,328 - a projected growth of 14% over your current level.

Salary Trends for CNC Machine Programmer I

Salaries for a CNC Machine Programmer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $57,369 in 2023 to around $56,608 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of CNC Machine Programmer I salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of CNC Machine Programmer I Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$57,369
2024
$56,940
2025
$56,608
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $57,369
2024 $56,940
2025 $56,608
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for CNC Machine Programmer I

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for CNC Machine Programmer I

Here are companies hiring for CNC Machine Programmer I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current CNC Machine Programmer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about CNC Machine Programmer I

1. Where can a CNC Machine Programmer I earn the most?

A CNC Machine Programmer I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a CNC Machine Programmer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a CNC Machine Programmer I is $79,949.

2. What is the highest pay for CNC Machine Programmer I?

The highest pay for CNC Machine Programmer I is $74,172.

3. What is the lowest pay for CNC Machine Programmer I?

The lowest pay for CNC Machine Programmer I is $49,400.

4. What are the responsibilities of CNC Machine Programmer I?

Programs and sets up CNC milling, lathe, or other machinery according to blueprint specifications. Reads and interprets technical blueprints and design models and inputs the product design into the computer modeling software. Adjusts machine settings to the desired product specifications, and troubleshoots and maintains the machine. Utilizes G or M code and CAM software (MasterCAM, CAMWorks, or others). Tests the accuracy of settings and programs. May require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

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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