Prevailing Wage for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
Prevailing wage for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers under SOC 51-9162 is set by DOL across four experience levels, from entry through fully competent. Whether your title reads CNC Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Programmer), CAM Programmer (Computer-Aided Manufacturing Programmer), or CAD Programmer (Computer-Aided Design Programmer), the wage floor shifts significantly by city and worksite location.
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Level 1 covers entry-level CNC programmers who perform routine tasks under close supervision, typically with limited hands-on experience developing part programs or operating CNC equipment. Employers file here for recent graduates or candidates new to G-code and CAM software in a production environment.
Level 2 applies to qualified CNC programmers who work independently on standard machining tasks, apply established programming methods, and troubleshoot common setup issues. DOL considers this the most common filing level for this occupation, reflecting mid-career candidates with solid production programming experience.
Level 3 covers experienced CNC programmers who handle complex multi-axis programming, optimize toolpaths for difficult geometries, and may guide junior staff. Employers file here for candidates managing full part-program development cycles with minimal oversight across varied materials or machine platforms.
Level 4 applies to fully competent CNC programmers in senior or lead roles, setting programming standards, selecting CAM strategies for advanced components, and driving process improvement across a shop floor. Employers file here for candidates with deep cross-platform expertise and supervisory or technical leadership scope.
Prevailing Wage for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers by OES area
Each shape is a DOL OES area, the unit prevailing wage is published for.
What’s an OES area?
The Department of Labor publishes prevailing wages for geographic zones called OES areas. Every U.S. county belongs to exactly one, and the wage floor applies across the whole area. A worker in Oakland gets the San Francisco metro wage, not a separate Oakland wage.
Top 10 cities · Level 1
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See which U.S. employers are actively hiring for this role and sponsoring H-1B, OPT, and green card visas at or above the prevailing wage.
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Watch how aerospace employers classify CNC roles
Aerospace and defense manufacturers often title roles CNC Machinist or CNC Operator but file LCAs under SOC 51-9162. If your offer letter says machinist but the duties involve writing G-code or CAM toolpaths, confirm the employer filed under this SOC, not a lower-paying production operator code.
Check Wichita and Hartford before accepting coastal offers
Wichita and Hartford post some of the highest L3 and L4 wages nationally for this occupation, often exceeding Seattle. High aerospace employer concentration in both metros drives those floors up, making them strong negotiating benchmarks even if you're evaluating a different location.
Separate base pay from tooling and shift premiums
Some CNC programming roles include shift-differential pay or tooling allowances that employers bundle into the stated salary. DOL prevailing wage compliance counts only the guaranteed annual base wage, so verify the base alone clears the applicable level floor before signing.
Find employers who have sponsored CNC programmers before
Migrate Mate filters by role and visa type, showing which employers have historical H-1B or green card sponsorship records for CNC and CAM programming positions, so you can prioritize companies already familiar with the LCA and I-140 process for this occupation.
Jobs for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Jobs for this rolePrevailing Wage by Reported Job Title
DOL classifies these titles under SOC 51-9162.00 alongside Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers, so the same four-tier wage schedule applies to each. Tap a title to see the full breakdown.
CAD Programmer (Computer-Aided Design Programmer) Prevailing Wage
CAD Programmer (Computer-Aided Design Programmer) Prevailing Wage
CAD Programmer (Computer-Aided Design Programmer) positions fall under SOC 51-9162.00 (Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers). DOL OFLC publishes one four-tier prevailing wage schedule for the entire classification; employers filing H-1B, E-3, or PERM petitions for this title use the levels below.
CAM Programmer (Computer-Aided Manufacturing Programmer) Prevailing Wage
CAM Programmer (Computer-Aided Manufacturing Programmer) Prevailing Wage
When a U.S. employer sponsors a CAM Programmer (Computer-Aided Manufacturing Programmer) for a work visa or green card, DOL applies the prevailing wage schedule for SOC 51-9162.00 (Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers). Wage level reflects the role's experience and responsibility, not the title itself.
CNC Machine Operator (Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator) Prevailing Wage
CNC Machine Operator (Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator) Prevailing Wage
CNC Machine Operator (Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator) is an O*NET-reported job title within SOC 51-9162.00 (Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers). All roles in this SOC share the same prevailing wage tiers. The level an employer files at depends on what the role requires, not which title is used.
CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist) Prevailing Wage
CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist) Prevailing Wage
CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist) positions fall under SOC 51-9162.00 (Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers). DOL OFLC publishes one four-tier prevailing wage schedule for the entire classification; employers filing H-1B, E-3, or PERM petitions for this title use the levels below.
CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator) Prevailing Wage
CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator) Prevailing Wage
When a U.S. employer sponsors a CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator) for a work visa or green card, DOL applies the prevailing wage schedule for SOC 51-9162.00 (Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers). Wage level reflects the role's experience and responsibility, not the title itself.
CNC Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Programmer) Prevailing Wage
CNC Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Programmer) Prevailing Wage
CNC Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Programmer) is an O*NET-reported job title within SOC 51-9162.00 (Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers). All roles in this SOC share the same prevailing wage tiers. The level an employer files at depends on what the role requires, not which title is used.
CNC Tech (Computer Numerical Control Technician) Prevailing Wage
CNC Tech (Computer Numerical Control Technician) Prevailing Wage
CNC Tech (Computer Numerical Control Technician) positions fall under SOC 51-9162.00 (Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers). DOL OFLC publishes one four-tier prevailing wage schedule for the entire classification; employers filing H-1B, E-3, or PERM petitions for this title use the levels below.
CNC Tool Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Tool Programmer) Prevailing Wage
CNC Tool Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Tool Programmer) Prevailing Wage
When a U.S. employer sponsors a CNC Tool Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Tool Programmer) for a work visa or green card, DOL applies the prevailing wage schedule for SOC 51-9162.00 (Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers). Wage level reflects the role's experience and responsibility, not the title itself.
Numerical Control Programmer (NC Programmer) Prevailing Wage
Numerical Control Programmer (NC Programmer) Prevailing Wage
Numerical Control Programmer (NC Programmer) is an O*NET-reported job title within SOC 51-9162.00 (Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers). All roles in this SOC share the same prevailing wage tiers. The level an employer files at depends on what the role requires, not which title is used.
Programmer Prevailing Wage
Programmer Prevailing Wage
Programmer positions fall under SOC 51-9162.00 (Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers). DOL OFLC publishes one four-tier prevailing wage schedule for the entire classification; employers filing H-1B, E-3, or PERM petitions for this title use the levels below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does DOL set the prevailing wage for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers?
DOL calculates prevailing wages using Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics across hundreds of metro areas. For SOC 51-9162, DOL maps reported wages to four experience levels and publishes the results through the OFLC Wage Search. Employers must use these figures when filing a Labor Condition Application for H-1B or a PERM application for a green card.
What do the four wage levels mean and how do I know which one applies to my offer?
Level 1 is entry-level with close supervision. Level 2 covers independent qualified work and is the most common filing level for CNC programmers. Level 3 reflects experienced professionals handling complex programming with minimal oversight. Level 4 is for senior or lead roles setting standards. The level must match the actual job duties described in the LCA, not just the job title, so compare the posted requirements against DOL's level definitions carefully.
Why does the prevailing wage for the same CNC programming role vary so much between cities?
DOL bases wages on regional Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys, so local labor market conditions determine each metro's floor. A CNC programmer in San Jose faces a much higher wage requirement than one in Duluth because Bay Area employers compete for talent in a higher-cost, higher-concentration manufacturing and tech market. The worksite address on the LCA determines which metro's wage applies, not the employer's headquarters.
What happens if my job offer falls below the prevailing wage for a sponsored position?
An employer cannot file a compliant LCA if the offered wage falls below the applicable prevailing wage for the worksite location and experience level. USCIS will not approve an H-1B petition supported by a deficient LCA, and DOL can decertify a PERM application for the same reason. The employer must either raise the offered salary to meet or exceed the floor or refile at the correct lower level if the duties genuinely match that level.
How do I find and verify the prevailing wage for a CNC programming role at a specific U.S. location?
Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up SOC 51-9162 by metro area. Enter the worksite city or county to retrieve current Level 1 through Level 4 wage floors published by DOL. Cross-reference the result against the employer's LCA, which must be posted publicly at the worksite. For past employer sponsorship patterns in this occupation, Migrate Mate shows historical filing counts by employer so you can see which companies have sponsored CNC and CAM programming roles before.
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