CNC Programmer salary varies significantly across states. National averages from reliable compensation data show typical CNC Programmer pay near $64,389 per year or about $31 per hour as of early 2026.
Different sources place the U.S. average annual salary in the range of roughly $63,000 to $74,000 per year depending on the dataset and how “CNC Programmer” is defined.
Because CNC jobs intersect with manufacturing, aerospace, and precision engineering sectors, pay reflects regional industry strength and cost of living.
Below is a state-by-state breakdown of average annual salary for CNC Programmers to give you a clear comparative picture.
Average CNC Programmer Salary by State (2026)
| State | Avg Annual Salary | Hourly Equivalent |
| Washington | $72,927 | $35.06 |
| District of Columbia | $72,762 | $34.98 |
| New York | $70,444 | $33.87 |
| Massachusetts | $70,321 | $33.81 |
| Alaska | $69,344 | $33.34 |
| Vermont | $68,462 | $32.91 |
| North Dakota | $68,129 | $32.75 |
| Oregon | $68,078 | $32.73 |
| Colorado | $67,706 | $32.55 |
| Hawaii | $66,898 | $32.16 |
| Nevada | $65,568 | $31.52 |
| New Jersey | $65,370 | $31.43 |
| Wisconsin | $64,991 | $31.25 |
| Pennsylvania | $64,544 | $31.03 |
| Delaware | $64,445 | $30.98 |
| South Dakota | $64,389 | $30.96 |
| Virginia | $63,837 | $30.69 |
| California | $63,546 | $30.55 |
| Minnesota | $63,064 | $30.32 |
| Rhode Island | $63,057 | $30.32 |
| New Hampshire | $62,619 | $30.11 |
| Maryland | $62,492 | $30.04 |
| New Mexico | $62,398 | $29.99 |
| Illinois | $62,395 | $30.00 |
| Maine | $62,342 | $29.97 |
| Wyoming | $61,892 | $29.76 |
| Nebraska | $61,392 | $29.52 |
| Indiana | $61,270 | $29.46 |
| Connecticut | $61,253 | $29.45 |
| Ohio | $61,215 | $29.43 |
| Mississippi | $60,981 | $29.32 |
| Idaho | $60,583 | $29.13 |
| Iowa | $60,479 | $29.08 |
| Missouri | $60,397 | $29.04 |
| Arizona | $60,003 | $28.85 |
| Texas | $59,988 | $28.84 |
| South Carolina | $59,750 | $28.73 |
| Oklahoma | $59,453 | $28.58 |
| Montana | $59,099 | $28.41 |
| Utah | $58,618 | $28.18 |
| North Carolina | $58,517 | $28.13 |
| Tennessee | $58,441 | $28.10 |
| Alabama | $58,362 | $28.06 |
| Kansas | $57,425 | $27.61 |
| Michigan | $56,121 | $26.98 |
| Kentucky | $55,924 | $26.89 |
| Louisiana | $55,061 | $26.47 |
| Georgia | $54,369 | $26.14 |
| Arkansas | $53,244 | $25.60 |
| West Virginia | $49,848 | $23.97 |
| Florida | $48,117 | $23.13 |
Data source: ZipRecruiter state estimates (2026).
Why Salaries Vary by State
Two consistent factors influence CNC Programmer salaries:
Manufacturing Concentration
States with robust manufacturing employment typically show stronger demand and pay for CNC skills. Manufacturing-heavy economies like California, Ohio, and Pennsylvania provide a breadth of CNC opportunities.
Cost Of Living Adjustments
Higher nominal wages often correlate with higher living costs. Washington and Massachusetts, for example, pay above the national average partly because urban centers in those states have elevated living costs.
Pay vs. Opportunity: A Practical View
Higher Pay Doesn’t Always Mean Better Standard of Living
A CNC Programmer earning $72,000 in Washington might face higher housing and tax costs than someone earning $60,000 in a Midwest state.
Industry Focus Matters
Aerospace and medical device CNC jobs often pay more because they require advanced CAM skills and tighter tolerances. These roles also add value that is harder to automate, pushing wages upward.
Actionable Insights for CNC Programmers
Evaluate Regional Demand
Look at not only salaries but also job volume. States with lots of manufacturing jobs typically post more open positions, which can reduce time between offers and provide leverage in negotiation.
Expand Technical Scope
Learning advanced CAM software (FeatureCAM, Mastercam, Fusion 360) and multi-axis programming widens the set of roles you are qualified for and often correlates with higher pay.
Consider Cost of Living Adjustments
A salary bump might not translate to better real income if the cost of living is high. Compare adjusted pay (after housing and taxes) before relocation.
