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Summary Guide for

Numerical Tool and Process Control Programmers in California

May also be called: Computer Control Programmers; Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Programmers; Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Programmers; Numerical Control Programmers; Numerical Tool Programmers

What Would I Do?

Numerical Control Tool and Process Control Programmers, also called Computer Control Programmers, make precision metal or plastic parts using computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools to do their work. Before Computer Control Programmers make or "machine" a part, they must carefully plan, prepare, and write computer programs for the operation.

Computer Control Programmers work on desktop computers in offices near, but separate from, the shop floor. Many work a 40-hour week. However, overtime is common during peak production periods.

Will This Job Fit Me?

The job of Computer Control Programmer may appeal to those who are mechanically inclined and enjoy performing duties that are organized, clearly defined, and require accuracy and attention to detail.

What Wages and Benefits Can I Expect?

The median wage in 2009 for Numerical Tool and Process Control Programmers in California was $53,120 annually, or $25.54 hourly. The median is the point at which half of the workers earn more and half earn less.

Annual Wages for 2009	Low (25th percentile)	Median (50th percentile)	High (75th percentile)
Change to Hourly Wages
California	$39,856	$53,120	$68,387
Source: EDD/LMID Occupational Employment Statistics Survey, 2009 Wages do not reflect self-employment.
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Hourly Wages for 2009	Low (25th percentile)	Median (50th percentile)	High (75th percentile)
Change to Annual Wages
California	$19.16	$25.54	$32.88
Source: EDD/LMID Occupational Employment Statistics Survey, 2009. Wages do not reflect self-employment.
View Wages for All Areas

Benefits generally include health and life insurance, retirement plans, and vacation and sick leave. Many employers, especially those with formal apprenticeship programs, offer tuition assistance for training classes.

What is the Job Outlook?

In California, the number of Numerical Tool and Process Control Programmers is expected to grow slower than average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for Numerical Tool and Process Control Programmers are expected to increase by 10.5 percent, or 200 jobs between 2006 and 2016.

Estimated Employment and Projected Growth Numerical Tool and Process Control Programmers
Geographic Area (Estimated Year-Projected Year)	Estimated Employment	Projected Employment	Numeric Change	Percent Change	Additional Openings Due to Net Replacements
California (2006-2016)	1,900	2,100	200	10.5	200
Source: EDD/LMID Projections of Employment by Occupation
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The demand for Computer Control Programmers will be negatively affected by the increasing use of software, such as CAD and CAM, that automatically translates part and product designs into CNC machine tool instructions. However, due to the limited number of people entering training programs, employers are expected to continue to have difficulty finding workers with the necessary skills and knowledge.

How Do I Qualify?

Computer Control Programmers usually follow one of the following training paths: formal apprenticeships, vocational schools, community college programs, certificate programs, or extensive on-the-job training.

Finding a Job

Direct application to employers remains one of the most effective job search methods. Newspaper classified ads and the Internet provide additional sources for job listings. Union members search for jobs by registering with their local hiring hall. Online job opening systems include JobCentral at www.jobcentral.com and CalJOBS^SM at www.caljobs.ca.gov.

To find your nearest One-Stop Career Center, go to Service Locator. View the helpful job search tips for more resources. (requires Adobe Reader).

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