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CNC
PROGRAMMERS
Overview
Numerical control tool programmers write programs that control machine
tools.
Tool programmers plan their work in the same manner as machinists. First,
they review blueprints and compute the size and position of the cuts.
Next, programmers determine the sequence of machine operations. This
includes selecting tools and determining the machine speed and feed rates.
The next step is for programmers to write the program in a language the
computer understands.
Programs
(Machine
Technology and related)
Programming is becoming easier and may eventually be done by machinists.
Occasionally programmers and machinists work together on a program. They
check that the program will produce an acceptable product. Usually
programmers run a computer simulation to determine whether the program is
functioning properly. They fix problems and re-test the program until all
problems are solved. Programmers may modify existing programs rather than
write each program from scratch.
Work
Activities
The following list of occupational
tasks is specific to this career.
-
Study
blueprints or written directions.
-
Calculate
where to cut and how much metal to remove.
-
Select tools
and materials for the job.
-
Select and
help design fixturing. -
Plan
sequence of cutting and finishing operations.
-
Write
programs to tell machine tools what to do.
-
Run computer
simulations of programs. Revise programs as needed.
-
May consult
with machinists.
People in this
career perform the following list of tasks, but the tasks are common to
many occupations.
-
Draft, lay
out, and specify technical devices, parts, or equipment.
-
Get
information needed to do the job.
-
Analyze data
or information.
-
Make
decisions and solve problems.
-
Handle and
move objects.
-
Identify
objects, actions, and events.
-
Evaluate
information against standards.
-
Interact
with computers.
-
Process
information.
-
Monitor
processes, materials, and surroundings.
-
Update and
use job-related knowledge.
-
Document and
record information.
-
Inspect
equipment, structures, or materials.
-
Estimate the
characteristics of materials, products, events, or information.
Working
Conditions
In a typical work setting, people in this career may work on the shop
floor and/or may have a cubical and a computer workstation.
Interpersonal
Relationships
Physical Work
Conditions
Work
Performance
-
Must fully
complete and be exact in their work. Errors could produce programs
that create faulty items.
-
Repeat the
same physical activities.
-
Must let the
work pace be determined by the speed of the machinery.
Hours/Travel
-
Usually work
full time.
-
May work
overtime during peak periods of production.
-
May work
evening and weekend shifts at factories that run 24 hours a day, seven
days a week.
Physical
Demands
People in this
career frequently:
-
Sit for long
periods of time.
-
Use hands to
handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
It is important
for people in this career to be able to:
-
See details
of objects that are less than a few feet away.
-
Make fast,
simple, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
-
Use hands or
fingers to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
It is not as
important, but still necessary, for people in this career to be able to:
-
See
differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
-
Speak
clearly so listeners can understand.
-
Determine
the distance between objects.
-
Make quick,
precise adjustments to machine controls.
-
React
quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
-
Use stomach
and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without
getting tired.
Skills
& Abilities
People in this career need to:
Communicate
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Understand
spoken information.
-
Read and
understand work-related materials.
-
Write so
other people can understand.
Reason and
Problem Solve
-
Identify
problems and review information. Analyze options and apply solutions.
-
Follow
guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
-
Analyze
ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
-
Identify
ways to measure and improve system performance.
-
Use
reasoning to discover answers to problems.
-
Judge the
costs and benefits of a possible action.
-
Understand
new information or materials by studying and working with them.
-
Notice when
something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
-
Think of
original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
-
Determine
how a system should work and how changes in operations will affect
outcomes.
-
Combine
several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
Use Math and
Science
-
Use math
skills to solve problems.
-
Add,
subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.
-
Use
scientific methods to solve problems.
Manage
Oneself, People, Time and Things
Work with
People
Work with
Things
-
Analyze
needs and requirements when designing products.
-
Write
computer programs.
-
Test and
inspect products and processes. Evaluate quality or performance.
-
Design
equipment and technology to meet user needs.
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Determine
the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
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Watch
gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
-
Repair
machines or systems.
Perceive and
Visualize
Knowledge
People in this career need knowledge in the following areas:
-
Computers
and Electronics: Knowledge of computer hardware and software.
-
Mathematics:
Knowledge of the rules and uses of numbers. Areas of knowledge include
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics.
-
Production
and Processing: Knowledge of how products are made and supplied.
Interests
People in this career are people who tend to:
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Consider
good working conditions important. They like jobs offering steady
employment and good pay. They want employment that fits their
individual work style. They may prefer doing a variety of tasks,
working alone, or being busy all the time.
-
Consider
achievement important. They like to see the results of their work and
to use their strongest abilities. They like to get a feeling of
accomplishment from their work.
-
Consider
independence important. They like to make decisions and try out ideas
on their own. They prefer jobs where they can plan their work with
little supervision.
-
Consider
support from their employer important. They like to be treated fairly
and have supervisors who will back them up. They prefer jobs where
they are trained well.
-
Have
realistic interests. They like work activities that include practical,
hands-on problems and solutions.
-
Have
conventional interests. They like work activities that follow set
procedures, routines, and standards. They like to work with data and
detail. They prefer working where there is a clear line of authority
to follow.
-
Have
investigative interests. They like work activities that have to do
with ideas and thinking. They like to search for facts and figure out
solutions to problems mentally.
Preparation
They usually are trained as machinists and then
learn the programming. Other workers learn their skills through formal
training programs. These programs are available from high schools,
vocational schools, or community colleges. Classroom training starts with
an introduction to numerical control and the basics of programming. Later,
students learn about computer-aided design and manufacturing. Trainees
start by writing simple programs under the supervision of an experienced
programmer. There are several different programming languages, so
programmers must be able to learn and adapt to new languages. Some
numerical control tool programmers learn their skills on the job.
Classes in math, blueprint reading, metalworking, and drafting provide a
good background for formal training programs.
Hiring
Practices
Most employers require tool programmers to have a high school degree or
GED. They prefer to hire programmers who have completed a formal training
program. Employers who are willing to train programmers usually prefer
applicants who have experience as machine tool operators or machinists.
Employers look for applicants who are skilled in using computers and
electronics. Licensing
& Certification
No State of Minnesota license requirements are found for this career
Wages
In Minnesota, the median wage for numerical control tool programmers is
$21.16 per hour, which works out to $3681.84 per month for a full time
worker. Half of all numerical control tool programmers earn between $18.89
and $24.65 per hour, or between $3286.86 and $4289.10 per month.
Nationally, the median wage for numerical control tool programmers is
$2,995 per month. Half of all numerical control tool programmers earn
between $2,290 and $3,680 per month.
Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The programmer's level of
experience, training, and responsibility also affect wages. In general,
programmers who belong to a union earn higher wages.
Numerical control tool programmers who work full time usually receive
benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health
insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.
Employment
In Minnesota, about 500 numerical control tool programmers work in this
relatively small occupation.
Nationally, about 17,500 numerical control tool programmers work in this occupation. Positions for these workers are available in all
parts of the country. However, jobs are most plentiful in the Northeast,
Midwest, and West Coast, where manufacturing is concentrated.
Major employers:
Metalworking machinery manufacturers
Industrial machinery manufacturers
Fabricated metal structure manufacturers
Outlook
In Minnesota, the employment for
numerical control tool programmers is expected to grow slower than average
in the next few years.
Nationally, the number of jobs for numerical control tool programmers is
expected to grow more slowly than average through the year 2014.
Automation is a primary factor in the slow growth rate for these workers.
New technology allows some programming and minor adjustments to be made by
workers other than tool programmers. New software will slow growth as
well. Some software can translate part and product designs into machine
tool instructions. Thus, fewer programmers will be needed. However, as
long as the demand for goods remains high, tool programmers will be in
demand.
There is currently a shortage of skilled tool programmers. The average
employee in this occupation is near retirement. Few young people are
applying for positions as programmers, so the shortage may continue. Thus,
workers who are new to this occupation should be able to find work easily.
Advancement Opportunities
Experienced tool programmers can advance to working on more difficult
projects. Those who have good people skills may become supervisors.
Page
last updated in August, 2007.
Source: Minnesota
Department of Children, Families & Learning (MCIS) Minnesota
Career Information System
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