As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for a CNC Machine Programmer III in the United States is $85,205 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.
However, a CNC Machine Programmer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A CNC Machine Programmer 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 Machine Programmer 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level CNC Machine Programmer III | $82,047 |
| Intermediate Level CNC Machine Programmer III | $82,569 |
| Senior Level CNC Machine Programmer III | $83,613 |
| Specialist Level CNC Machine Programmer III | $88,364 |
| Expert Level CNC Machine Programmer III | $91,231 |
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 Machine Programmer IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many CNC Machine Programmer 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 Machine Programmer III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $88,516 and $94,826.
CNC Machine Programmer 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% |
Understanding how a CNC Machine Programmer 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 November 01, 2025Salaries for a CNC Machine Programmer 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 Machine Programmer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $86,927 |
| 2024 | $86,562 |
| 2025 | $85,496 |
| 2026 |
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|
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $85,205 | 61.3% |
| Bonus | $14,031 | 10.1% |
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | $7,592 | 5.5% |
| 401K/403B | $4,168 | 3.0% |
| Disability | $1,985 | 1.4% |
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 6.0% |
| Pension | $5,359 | 3.9% |
| Time Off | $12,214 | 8.8% |
| Total Compensation | $138,905 | 100% |
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A CNC Machine Programmer III'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 III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a CNC Machine Programmer III is $107,469.
The highest pay for CNC Machine Programmer III is $106,107.
The lowest pay for CNC Machine Programmer III is $71,843.
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 generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.
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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