Occupation
CNC programmer
CNC programmers turn a part drawing or CAD model into the toolpaths and machine code that will cut it. They choose cutting strategies, tooling, and speeds and feeds, then simulate the program to catch collisions before it reaches the shop floor. The role sits between design and production and usually involves close work with machinists.
Also known as: CNC machine programmer · Machine tool programmer · CAM programmer · NC programmer
Occupation content
Part of Manufacturing, production and quality
What the work involves
- Import CAD models and build machining strategies and toolpaths in CAM software
- Select tooling, workholding, and cutting parameters appropriate to the material
- Simulate and post-process programs, then verify them during a first-article run
- Revise programs to improve cycle reliability, finish, or tool life after machinist feedback
- Maintain the tool library, post-processors, and program revision records
- Review drawing tolerances with quality staff before releasing a program to production
How people commonly enter
- A college diploma or certificate in CNC programming, CAM, or manufacturing technology
- Progression from CNC machining after gaining setting and proving-out experience
- An engineering or manufacturing technician apprenticeship followed by CAM training
- Vendor or employer CAM software training taken alongside shop-floor experience
Typical training: Certificate or college diploma
Licensing: Not typically licensed
Typical work context
Desk based · Team based · Lab or workshop · Quiet focus
Related interests
Investigative (analytical) · Realistic (hands-on) · Conventional (organizing)
Related aptitude preparation
These are preparation links only. They do not measure eligibility for this occupation and no score here qualifies or disqualifies anyone.
Skills to practise
Practice suites
Related learning
Family-level learning links for Manufacturing, production and quality.
Official sources
Labour-market facts such as pay and employment projections are not reproduced here. Open an official source below for figures, with its own geography and reference period.
- O*NET OnLine — occupation search: CNC programmer · United States
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- Canada Job Bank — Search job profiles · Canada
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- UK National Careers Service — Explore careers · United Kingdom
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Labour-market context (not part of exploration match)
This is broad family-level context for Manufacturing, production and quality in Canada, not a figure for CNC programmer. It does not affect matching scores and is not an eligibility determination.
This is a broad Manufacturing, production and quality family. Explore the official profile for the chosen occupation; entry education and training can differ within the family.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Manufacturing, production and quality: education pathways
Some roles in Manufacturing, production and quality may be regulated. Confirm whether the specific role requires registration, certification, or a jurisdiction-specific licence.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Manufacturing, production and quality: licensing
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