Also called: CNC Programmers
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers build programming, operations monitoring and systems analysis skills that carry over to other work. Below are 25 careers ranked by how closely their skills match, with pay from BLS May 2025. The closest match is Model Makers, Metal and Plastic (75%).
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Sorted by skill match.
| # | Career | Skill match | Median pay | Pay change | Extra education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Model Makers, Metal and Plastic | 75% | $63,340 | −7% | Certificate or associate |
| 2 | Robotics Technicians | 71% | $73,900Pay for the broader BLS group “Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians” | Not compared | Certificate or associate |
| 3 | Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 71% | $74,510 | +9% | Certificate or associate |
| 4 | Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic | 68% | $58,000 | −15% | Certificate or associate |
| 5 | Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 66% | $78,190 | +15% | Certificate or associate |
| 6 | Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | 65% | $73,900 | +8% | Certificate or associate |
| 7 | Machinists | 65% | $58,750 | −14% | Certificate or associate |
| 8 | Mechanical Drafters | 65% | $71,550 | +5% | Certificate or associate |
| 9 | Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | 65% | $78,350Pay for the broader BLS group “Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other” | Not compared | None |
| 10 | Tool and Die Makers | 65% | $64,050 | −6% | Certificate or associate |
Compared with Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers, median $68,120. Skill match is our estimate (0–99) from O*NET 31.0 skills, knowledge, work activities and interests, adjusted for preparation and big pay drops. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, national median.
How important each skill is in work as computer numerically controlled tool programmers (O*NET importance, scale 1–5).
The gaps that show up most often across your top 10 matches.
Free and low-cost training: use the CareerOneStop training finder below.
A concrete first step, the skills to add, and the hard parts of each job, from O*NET 31.0 education, training and work context data.
75% skill match · $63,340 · −7% pay
Repairing · Operation and Control · Operations Monitoring
71% skill match · $73,900 (broader BLS group)
Installation · Repairing · Equipment Maintenance
71% skill match · $74,510 · +9% pay
Negotiation · Persuasion · Service Orientation
If you want to stay close to what you do now, these roles are the nearest.
The closest matches are Model Makers, Metal and Plastic (75% skill match, median $63,340), Robotics Technicians (71% skill match, median $73,900) and Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians (71% skill match, median $74,510), based on O*NET 31.0 data and BLS May 2025 pay.
Among the 25 matches, 11 pay more than computer numerically controlled tool programmers at the median. The biggest increases: Power Plant Operators (+50%, $102,040), Network and Computer Systems Administrators (+46%, $99,130) and Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers (+42%, $96,710).
10 of the 25 matches usually need no more education than you have now, based on O*NET Job Zones.
We compare the importance of skills, knowledge, work activities and interests in O*NET 31.0 for your job and every other career, then adjust for extra preparation and big pay drops. The full method is on our Methodology page.