Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal and Plastic
Did You Know:*
- Manufacturing industries employ almost all of these workers.
- Workers learn in apprenticeship programs, informally on the job, and in secondary, vocational or postsecondary schools; many entrants have previously worked as machinists or machine setters, operators and tenders.
- Applicants are expected to face competition for jobs.
Industry Areas
- Machine Shops; Turned Product; and Screw, Nut, and Bolt Manufacturing
- Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing
- Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing
Day-to-Day Tasks*
- Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.
- Revise programs and/or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.
- Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data in order to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
Overall Kind of Work*
Computer control programmers and operators use computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines to produce a wide variety of products, from automobile engines to computer keyboards. CNC machines ope...
Work Environment*
Civilian
Most machine shops are clean, well-lit and ventilated. Most modern CNC machines are partially or totally enclosed, minimizing the exposure of workers to noise, debris and the lubricants used to co...
Workweek Breakdown
The hours worked per week by people currently pursuing this career.
- 5.28% (21-34 Hours)
- 65.78% (40 Hours)
- 6.83% (41-49 Hours)
- 22.11% (Over 50 Hours)
This data also pertains to Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal and Plastic(51-4010)
Type of Work
The level of day-to-day involvement with data, people or things.
Data: 
People: 
Things:
Skills at a Glance
The levels of different skills helpful in this career.
Verbal skills:
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving:
Equipment Operation & Maintenance: 
Math & Science Skills:
Technology Design & Control:
Leadership:
Workplace at a Glance
The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.
Responsibility:
Exposure to Job Hazards:
Physical Activity:
Decision Making:
Repetitiveness:
Level of Competition:
Time Pressure:
Business Breakdown
The different sectors people in this career currently work in.
- 96.36% (Private For-Profit)
- 0.97% (Private Not For-Profit)
- 0.50% (State and Local Govt)
- 1.17% (Federal Government)
- 1.01% (Self-Employed)
This data also pertains to Computer Control Programmers And Operators