Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer salary in California
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers in California earn a median of $82,090 a year ($39.47 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,990 workers.
Pay ranges from $55,900 for the lowest-paid 10% to $126,010 for the top 10%. That is 21% higher than the national median of $68,120. California ranks 2nd of 43 states for computer numerically controlled tool programmers pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.16 computer numerically controlled tool programmers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $87,180, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for computer numerically controlled tool programmers in California
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $55,900 | $26.88 |
| 25th percentile | $66,440 | $31.94 |
| Median | $82,090 | $39.47 |
| 75th percentile | $102,980 | $49.51 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $126,010 | $60.58 |
| Average (mean) | $87,180 | $41.92 |
Half of computer numerically controlled tool programmers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $6,840.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,420.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,157.31 |
| Weekly | $1,578.65 |
| Hourly | $39.47 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer salary in cities in California
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $102,980 | 420 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $93,640 | 260 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $82,950 | 1,350 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $79,990 | 270 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $73,920 | 70 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $70,230 | 270 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $65,500 | 80 |
Highest-paying states for computer numerically controlled tool programmers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | $86,390 |
| California | $82,090 |
| Massachusetts | $81,670 |
| Washington | $81,420 |
| Missouri | $78,130 |
| Vermont | $77,980 |
| Kansas | $76,080 |
| North Dakota | $75,990 |
| Oregon | $75,150 |
| Arizona | $74,450 |
See Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer pay in every state.
Related jobs in California
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers | $54,300 | $26.11 |
| Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders | $44,020 | $21.16 |
| Production Workers, All Other | $41,670 | $20.03 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator | $56,510 | $27.17 |
| Helpers--Production Workers | $43,970 | $21.14 |
| Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $52,910 | $25.44 |
| Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $52,950 | $25.46 |
| Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $50,640 | $24.34 |
| Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders | $58,300 | $28.03 |
| Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $48,730 | $23.43 |
| Semiconductor Processing Technician | $48,030 | $23.09 |
| Dental Laboratory Technician | $47,410 | $22.80 |
| Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $47,300 | $22.74 |
| Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic | $49,190 | $23.65 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 51-9162. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a computer numerically controlled tool programmer make in California?
The median salary for computer numerically controlled tool programmers in California is $82,090 a year, or $39.47 an hour. Pay ranges from $55,900 for the lowest-paid 10% to $126,010 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid computer numerically controlled tool programmers make in California?
The top 10% of computer numerically controlled tool programmers in California earn at least $126,010 a year. The top 25% earn $102,980 or more.
What is the starting pay for computer numerically controlled tool programmers in California?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $55,900 a year, and a quarter of computer numerically controlled tool programmers earn $66,440 or less.
How many computer numerically controlled tool programmers work in California?
About 2,990 computer numerically controlled tool programmers are employed in California, not counting the self-employed.