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The differences between computer numerical controller machinists and numerical control programmers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a computer numerical controller machinist, becoming a numerical control programmer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a numerical control programmer has an average salary of $52,754, which is higher than the $41,685 average annual salary of a computer numerical controller machinist.
The top three skills for a computer numerical controller machinist include calipers, micrometers and manual lathes. The most important skills for a numerical control programmer are cnc machines, g code, and cad cam.
| Computer Numerical Controller Machinist | Numerical Control Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $41,685 | $52,754 |
| Hourly rate | $20.04 | $25.36 |
| Growth rate | 1% | -8% |
| Number of jobs | 32,345 | 44,787 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | Associate Degree, 41% |
| Average age | 48 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A computer numerical controller machinist is responsible for operating computer-based equipment, creating new machine components by programming, and evaluating machine blueprints. Computer numerical controller machinists must have extensive knowledge of the technology industry to understand its complexities and define accurate solutions, as well as excellent analytical skills for calculation requirements. Other tasks include interpreting specifications and parameters, monitoring stock inventory, requesting operating tools, verifying accurate measurements, detecting machine malfunctions, and adhering to the safety standards and procedures of the operations area.
A numerical control programmer is responsible for designing system programs for the technical components used by various industrial operations to function automatically. Numerical control programmers operate machine tools, analyzing its schematics to create a program, and increase the efficiency of its operational properties. They should also have excellent computer literacy as this task requires the programmers to utilize CAD systems, modifying machine instructions with the strategic design plans. A numerical control programmer must be highly organizational, inspecting the accuracy of the program by running diagnostic tests and performing adjustments as necessary.
Computer numerical controller machinists and numerical control programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Numerical Controller Machinist | Numerical Control Programmer | |
| Average salary | $41,685 | $52,754 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $56,000 | Between $39,000 And $70,000 |
| Highest paying City | Coon Rapids, MN | Glastonbury, CT |
| Highest paying state | New Mexico | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Amphenol | Cirrus Aircraft |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a computer numerical controller machinist and a numerical control programmer in terms of educational background:
| Computer Numerical Controller Machinist | Numerical Control Programmer | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | Associate Degree, 41% |
| Most common major | Precision Metal Working | Drafting And Design |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between computer numerical controller machinists' and numerical control programmers' demographics:
| Computer Numerical Controller Machinist | Numerical Control Programmer | |
| Average age | 48 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.6% Female, 6.4% | Male, 94.4% Female, 5.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.0% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 6.4% White, 70.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 6.0% White, 68.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 6% |