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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a CNC Programmer in Illinois is $75,538 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a CNC Programmer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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CNC Programmer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $82,509 | $6,876 | $1,587 | $40 |
| Average | $75,538 | $6,295 | $1,453 | $36 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,472 | $5,706 | $1,317 | $33 |
Professional Plastics - Loves Park, IL
WALCO Tool & Engineering - Romeoville, IL
Astec Industries - Belleville, IL
COMPX FORT - Grayslake, IL
A CNC Programmer'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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 Programmers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For CNC Programmer 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 positions in Energy & Utilities or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view CNC Programmer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $90,646 | $44.0 | 20% |
| MFG Durable | $83,092 | $40.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a CNC Programmer'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $82,509 | $6,876 | $1,587 | $40 |
| Average | $75,538 | $6,295 | $1,453 | $36 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,472 | $5,706 | $1,317 | $33 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current CNC Programmer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Vactor Manufacturing
Streator, IL
Vactor Manufacturing | Streator, IL
Job Description. Job Description. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES. Program parts prior to release of work to the machining work cell using CAD/CAM software. Generate ... more
4 Days Ago
Windy C Plating
Mount Prospect, IL
Windy C Plating | Mount Prospect, IL
Job Description. Job Description. We are seeking a skilled CNC Programmer to join our team. If you are an experience programmer with MasterCam experience a... more
4 Days Ago
Recruiting For Less
Benton, IL
Recruiting For Less | Benton, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Our Benton IL client, provides the drill bits and other equipment to the rock drilling sector. They are seeking a skilled... more
4 Days Ago
Marvin
Schiller Park, IL
Marvin | Schiller Park, IL
Marvin is seeking a CNC Programmer to support production of premium windows, doors, and skylights. In this role, you will create, optimize, and maintain CN... more
4 Days Ago
Marvin
Decatur, IL
Marvin | Decatur, IL
Marvin is seeking a CNC Programmer to support production of premium windows, doors, and skylights. In this role, you will create, optimize, and maintain CN... more
4 Days Ago
CalTek Staffing , Inc.
Cary, IL
CalTek Staffing , Inc. | Cary, IL
As CNC Setup Programmer, you will provide programming and manufacturing leadership to production cells through programming expertise, tooling usage specifi... more
5 Days Ago
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