DELTA COLLEGE
COUNSELING/ADVISING & CAREER SERVICES
CNC MACHINE PROGRAMMER/OPERATOR
Salary Range: $20,600 - $48,760 annually
Personal Interests: Mechanical, technical and a scientific interest
Work Environment: Primarily indoor, both at desks and in manufacturing plants
Description
Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC)
Machine Tool Programmers/Operators
use computer driven machine tools such
as lathes, mills, profilers, lasers, water
jet, wire electrical discharge machines,
tube benders, punches, and grinders to
shape metals to precise dimension.
Although some programmer/operators
can work with a wide variety of CNC
machine tools, most specialize in one or
two types.
Numerical control of machine tools is a
form of automated fabrication. Tool
programmers write the programs that
direct machine tools to perform
functions automatically. Programmers
must understand how the various
machine tools operate and know the
working properties of the metals and
plastics that are used in the process.
functioning properly and that the final
product is correct.
Numerical Control Tool operators set up
and operate single- or multi- purpose
numerical control machines to perform
machining operations, such as milling,
drilling, reaming, or broaching, on metal
work pieces according to specifications.
Tool operators read blueprints and setup
instructions to determine the machining
to be done, mount the work piece on an
indexing table, and install tools in the
tool magazine, turret, or spindle of the
machine. They then insert the CNC
instructions in the machine control unit
(sometimes also write the programs),
start the machine checking operation for
malfunction, making minor adjustments
or tool changes, and then check the work
piece to see that it meets specifications.
Writing a program for a numerically
controlled tool involves several steps.
Before tool programmers can begin
writing a program, they must analyze the
blueprints of whatever function is to be
performed or item is to be made.
Programmers then determine the steps
that must be taken and what tools will be
needed.
After
all
necessary
computations have been made, the
programmers write the program, most
often using computer-aided design
(CAD) systems.
Working Conditions
To ensure that a program has been
properly designed, tool programmers
often perform a test or trial run. Trial
runs help ensure that a machine is
Programmers usually work in offices of
manufacturing
plants
under
the
supervision of a senior programmer or
coordinator. They may work with a
Numeric Control Tool Operators usually
work
in
specialized
production
departments or tool rooms of factories,
tool shops, or job shops under the
direction of section leaders, supervisors,
or both. Safety rules are established in
the plant area; however, operators are
exposed to metal chips, abrasive dust,
loud noises, sharp cutting tools and
revolving parts, where loose-fitting
clothing or jewelry is not permitted since
it could become tangled in the machines.
team of Tool Programmers or alone with
complete
responsibility
for
programming. They work in offices that
are well lighted and air-conditioned.
Generally, Tool Programmers perform
their work at desks with occasional trips
to the production floor to observe
machining operations and test programs.
Training, Other Qualifications
Sometimes you may find some on-thejob training provided by the employer,
although a Certificate, an Associate’s or
Bachelor’s Degree will more likely
qualify you for this career.
Delta
College offers an Advanced Certificate
in Computer Numerical Control
Technology.
Tool programming, generally, is not
considered an entry-level job; most
employers prefer to hire those with
experience and technical training. An
individual who has completed courses in
tool programming, however, may be
hired in spite of a lack of experience.
Most often though, firms promote skilled
machine workers to programming jobs
and then pay for their technical training.
Other workers enter this field through
apprenticeship programs. A growing
number of machinists and CNC
programmers receive most of their
formal training from community or
technical colleges.
To boost the skill level of machinists and
to create a more uniform standard of
competency, a number of training
facilities and colleges have recently
begun
implementing
curriculums
incorporating national skills standards
developed by the National Institute of
Metalworking Skills (NIMS).
After
completing such a curriculum and
passing a performance requirement and
written exam, a NIMS credential is
granted to trainees, providing formal
recognition of competency in a
metalworking field. This designation
can lead to advancement or confirmation
of skills during a job search.
Job Outlook
Employment
nationally
of
both
computer controlled machine tool
operators and numerical tool and process
control programmers is expected decline
through 2014. In Michigan, growth will
be more slowly than average with
limited employment opportunities.
Earnings
Earnings vary widely and depend on job
specialty, industry site, and size of
employer. Nationally, CNC Machine
Tool Programmers had averaged hourly
earnings of $9.91 to $22.45 in early
2006. In Michigan they earned from
$10.33 to $23.44 per hour.
Related Occupations
Machinist, Tool & Die Maker, Computer
Programmer, Computer Operator and
Mechanical Engineering Technician.
CNCPROG/OPERprofile.doc
MD 08/00 updated 9/07
Sources: Occupational Outlook Handbook, MI Occupational
Information System, Eureka and Delta College Catalog.
Career Center, D 132
Bay City/Saginaw: (989) 686-9072
Midland/Auburn: (989) 495-4000, Ext. 9072
Frankenmuth, Birch Run, Reese & Vassar: (989) 758-3400, Ext. 9072
http://www.delta.edu/careercenter
These materials were developed under a grant awarded by the Michigan
Department of Labor & Economic Growth. (Project 7021-4)
It is the policy of Delta College not to discriminate in employment,
education, public accommodation or public service on the basis of religion,
race, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation,
height, weight, arrest record, veteran status, disability, or other
classifications as required by applicable U.S. federal, state or local law.
Direct inquiries to the Equity/Compliance Officer, Delta College, 1961
Delta Road, Office J101, University Center, MI 48710, telephone 989-6869122, or email: equityoffice@delta.edu