Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

Most exposed tasks

Highest structured exposure values in this role’s task mix — the work AI systems can already do most of.

• Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media.91
• Enter coordinates of hole locations into program memories by depressing pedals or buttons of programmers.80
• Sort shop orders into groups to maximize materials utilization and minimize machine setup time.75

Augmentable tasks

Work where AI assists rather than replaces — the productivity frontier of this role.

• Perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on machines.59
• Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.57
• Draw machine tool paths on pattern film according to guidelines for tool speed and efficiency, using colored markers.55

Most durable tasks

Lowest exposure — typically judgment, relationships, physical presence, or accountability. This is the human moat.

The current data release does not distinguish durable tasks for this role.

Task exposure values and classifications come from the versioned data release — they are structured data, not model output. Bars show exposure contribution relative to this role’s task mix.

What this means

A score of 65 puts Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers in the most-exposed quarter of analyzed occupations. In practice, exposure this high is about the mix: 12 of 15 analyzed tasks lean automatable, 3 augmentable, and 0 durable. The useful question isn’t “will AI take this job” — it’s which tasks go first, which get faster, and where to reposition time. That’s what the personalized report maps against your actual week.

One next move: audit how much of your week sits in the exposed tasks above — then shift time toward the durable set or investigate the adjacent roles below.

Lower-exposure adjacent roles

Shown only when the target is at least 10 points lower under the same score version and skill overlap is at least 50%. These are adjacent roles with lower task exposure — not guaranteed “safe careers”.

Labor-market context

• $68,120median wage
• 28,500employed
• 3,100annual openings
• +12.7%projected growth

Context only — labor statistics are not inputs to the exposure score. See methodology.

Related roles

Adjacent by skills or family — no exposure claim implied.

• Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators 59
• Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians 47
• Mechanical Drafters 48
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians 54
• Model Makers, Metal and Plastic 43
• Nuclear Power Reactor Operators 65

FAQ — Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

What does a score of 65 mean for a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers?

It means that, weighted across the 15 tasks we analyzed for this role, the task mix sits at 65 on a 0–100 exposure scale — in the most-exposed quarter of analyzed occupations. It measures task exposure to current and near-term AI capabilities, not the probability of losing a job.

Which tasks in this role are most exposed to AI?

The highest-exposure tasks are: Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media; Enter coordinates of hole locations into program memories by depressing pedals or buttons of programmers; Sort shop orders into groups to maximize materials utilization and minimize machine setup time. Exposure is scored per task from structured data, not generated by a language model.

Which parts of this job are most durable?

The current data release does not distinguish durable tasks for this role.

Is this score personalized to me?

No — this page shows the occupation-level baseline. Two people with the same title often do different work. The $9 personalized report recalculates the score from the tasks you actually do and builds a concrete 7/30/90-day plan around them.