Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
The short answer
This job is expected to meaningfully change. AI can already assist with or automate many of its tasks. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to hold steady over the next decade, with about 121 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the most exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. That doesn't mean the job goes away—it means more of its tasks are the kind AI can help with.
How much AI could touch this job
Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about a third of this job's tasks.
What this means
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the most exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.
What AI can and can’t help with in this job
The score comes from the real, day-to-day tasks of this job—not a guess about the job as a whole. Below are the tasks that matter most in this job, split by whether AI can help with them.
AI can help with or automate about 87% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.
AI could do much of this on its own
Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.
AI could do much of this on its own
Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.
AI could do much of this on its own
Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures.
AI could do much of this on its own
Tasks AI can't do much of
Perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on machines.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Align and secure pattern film on reference tables of optical programmers, and observe enlarger scope views of printed circuit boards.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Jobs you could switch to
If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.
See related jobs in
The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Similar workslightly less pay40 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays slightly less—$69,917 vs your $70,297 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires an associate's degree.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Engineering and Technology
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New skills to build
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Similar work+12% pay197 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 12% more—$78,636 vs your $70,297 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires an associate's degree.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Mathematics
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New skills to build
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Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Similar work+14% pay96 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 14% more—$80,402 vs your $70,297 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires an associate's degree.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
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New skills to build
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Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Somewhat similar work+13% pay1,881 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 13% more—$79,198 vs your $70,297 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires an associate's degree.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Engineering and Technology
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New skills to build
- Repairing
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Engineers, All Other
Somewhat similar work+72% pay1,540 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 72% more—$120,894 vs your $70,297 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a bachelor's degree.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Mathematics
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New skills to build
- Physics
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Computer Hardware Engineers
Somewhat similar work+139% pay142 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 139% more—$168,042 vs your $70,297 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a bachelor's degree.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Mathematics
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New skills to build
- Telecommunications
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Computer Programmers
Somewhat similar work+52% pay416 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 52% more—$106,893 vs your $70,297 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a bachelor's degree.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Computers and Electronics
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- Near Vision
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New skills to build
- Geography
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- Inductive Reasoning