How the national numbers differ
1Machinists has the edge on annual openings
Machinists is at 26,100 annual openings, compared with 2,700 annual openings for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers.
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers has the edge on projected growth
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers is at 5.9% projected growth, compared with 1% projected growth for Machinists.
Typical preparation differs.
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers: Postsecondary nondegree award; More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing Machinists: High school diploma or equivalent; More than 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing Preparation categories do not establish admission difficulty, calendar time, tuition, time without earnings, or licensing difficulty.
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers has the edge on median pay
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers is at $68,120, compared with $58,750 for Machinists.
61.1/ 100Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
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Each available metric is ranked from 0 to 100 against the careers on ChooseField. The weighted average uses this profile: pay 30%, growth 25%, openings 30%, preparation level 15%. Missing values are not scored as zero; their weights are redistributed across available metrics. Occupation size has zero weight: employment is not accessible vacancies. Preparation categories do not measure admission difficulty or years without earnings. The score summarizes national measures; local opportunities and personal fit still need separate consideration.
Detailed evidence
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers vs Machinists
| Dimension | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers | Machinists |
|---|
| Median pay (2025) | $68,120 | $58,750 |
|---|
| Pay percentile | 59.8 percentile | 45.4 percentile |
|---|
| Projected growth (2025–2035) | 5.9% | 1% |
|---|
| Annual openings (2025–2035) | 2,700 | 26,100 |
|---|
| 2025 employment | 28,600 | 288,300 |
|---|
| How you qualify | Postsecondary nondegree award; More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing | High school diploma or equivalent; More than 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing |
| O*NET preparation group | Job Zone 2 | Job Zone 3 |
| Related work experience | No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary. | No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary. |
| On-the-job training | More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing. | More than 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing. |
The table reports national benchmarks and reviewed work descriptions. It does not rate personal suitability, job security, or physical safety.
