CNC Programmer vs Machine Operator
Pay, skills and open jobs side by side, from current job postings across the US.
Pay
CNC Programmer
$81,200 typical, a year
Most CNC Programmers earn $72,800 to $98,800 a year.
From 173 postings that list pay
552 open jobs now
Machine Operator
$46,200 typical, a year
Most Machine Operators earn $41,600 to $52,000 a year.
From 2,982 postings that list pay
15,720 open jobs now
CNC Programmers typically earn about $35,000 more a year than Machine Operators.
What each one does
CNC Programmer
- Develop and write CNC programs for milling, turning, and multi-axis machines.
- Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and specifications to determine machining requirements.
- Select appropriate tooling, speeds, and feeds to optimize performance and efficiency.
- Run and test programs, then fine-tune them for efficiency and accuracy.
- Diagnose and fix problems that arise during the manufacturing process.
- Ensure the finished parts meet precise specifications and maintain quality standards.
Summed up from 30 job postings
Machine Operator
- Operate and monitor production equipment to ensure it runs properly.
- Perform quality checks on products and record the results.
- Follow safety rules and keep the work area clean.
- Set up machines and change settings for different jobs.
- Load and unload materials during the production process.
- Report problems with equipment or products to supervisors.
Summed up from 30 job postings
Skills employers ask for
CNC Programmer
Asked for in both
- Blueprint Reading 3 in 10 postings
More common in CNC Programmer postings
- CNC Programming 8 in 10 postings
- CNC Machining 5 in 10 postings
- Mastercam 5 in 10 postings
- Tooling 4 in 10 postings
- Esprit CAM 3 in 10 postings
- G-code 3 in 10 postings
- Machining 3 in 10 postings
- Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing 3 in 10 postings
- CAD/CAM 2 in 10 postings
Machine Operator
Asked for in both
- Blueprint Reading 1 in 10 postings
More common in Machine Operator postings
- High School Diploma 4 in 10 postings
- Production Operations 1 in 10 postings
- Manufacturing 1 in 10 postings
- Calipers 1 in 10 postings
- PPE Usage 1 in 10 postings
- Production Equipment 1 in 10 postings
- Forklift Operation 1 in 10 postings
- Quality Control 1 in 10 postings
- Quality Standards 1 in 15 postings
Out of each role's current postings.
Open jobs
CNC Programmer
Lathe CNC Programmer
Helios Hydraulics AmericaPay not stated Schultes Precision - Buffalo Grove, IL 60089G-codeMastercamEngineering DrawingsM CodeFanuc +6CNC Programmer
Radial Solutions Inc.Pay not stated Huntsville, AL, 35816CNC MachiningPrototypingMachiningToolingCNC Programmer
CalqulatePay not stated Grove City, Ohio OnsiteGeometric Dimensioning & TolerancingMastercamCNC MachiningToolingG-code +2
Machine Operator
Die Cast Operator - 1st & 2nd Shift
CareerPros, LLC$18/hr Employer statedDyersville, IA, USPPE UsagePneumaticHydraulic SystemsBlueprint Reading- Pay not stated Kilgore, TX, United States OnsiteEngineering DrawingsProcess ImprovementCNC MachiningMachiningTooling
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