The salary of a CNC Programmer/Set-Up I in the United States varies depending on several factors, including experience, location, education level, marketing trend and company sizes.
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a CNC Programmer/Set-Up I in the United States is $63,390. According to Salary.com, salaries can range from a low of $50,781 to a high of $75,426, with most professionals earning between $56,790 and $69,690.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $69,690 | $5,808 | $1,340 | $34 |
| Average | $63,390 | $5,283 | $1,219 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,790 | $4,733 | $1,092 | $27 |
An entry-level CNC Programmer/Set-Up I with less than 1 year of experience earns about $62,897. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $63,578. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $64,989. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $65,271, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $65,459.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level CNC Programmer/Set-Up I | $62,897 |
| Intermediate Level CNC Programmer/Set-Up I | $63,578 |
| Senior Level CNC Programmer/Set-Up I | $64,989 |
| Specialist Level CNC Programmer/Set-Up I | $65,271 |
| Expert Level CNC Programmer/Set-Up I | $65,459 |
| Entry Level | 1% |
| Mid Level | 0% |
| Senior Level | 3% |
| Top Level | 3% |
| Experienced | 3% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in CNC Programmer/Set-Up I compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $57,369 in 2023 to approximately $56,940 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of CNC Programmer/Set-Up I salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of CNC Programmer/Set-Up I information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see CNC Programmer/Set-Up I job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for CNC Programmer/Set-Up I and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $63,390 | 69.1% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $4,849 | 5.3% | ||
| 401K/403B | $2,662 | 2.9% | ||
| Disability | $1,268 | 1.4% | ||
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 9.1% | ||
| Pension | $3,423 | 3.7% | ||
| Time Off | $7,802 | 8.5% | ||
| Total Compensation | $91,747 | 100% | ||
| 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% |
What Am I Worth?
CNC Programmers/Set-Up in the US earn between $56,290 and $74,690 annually, with a median salary of $64,390. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise in the field, providing a competitive compensation structure for professionals in CNC programming.
CNC programmers typically need at least a high school diploma or GED. While some pursue associate degrees for advanced skills, it's not mandatory. In terms of salary, CNC programmers can expect to earn between $56,290 and $74,690, with a median salary around $64,390, reflecting the technical expertise required in this field.
CNC machinists are indeed in high demand, as their expertise is essential for producing precise components using CNC machines. With salaries ranging from $56,290 to $74,690, the profession offers competitive compensation, reflecting the ongoing need for skilled operators in various industries reliant on computer-aided manufacturing.
The highest salary for a CNC Programmer/Set-Up is $74,690 per year. The average salary typically ranges from a minimum of $56,290 to a midpoint of $64,390, depending on experience and skill level.
CNC operator training typically takes around 36 weeks to complete. Upon finishing, CNC Programmers/Set-Ups can expect salaries ranging from $56,290 to $74,690, with a median salary of $64,390. This training equips individuals with the skills needed for a rewarding career in CNC machining.
The salary of a CNC Programmer varies based on experience and skill level. The minimum salary is approximately ?46,908 per month, the mid-range salary is around ?53,658 per month, and the maximum salary can reach about ?62,241 per month. These figures reflect a range of earnings for CNC Programmers in the industry.
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.
