How much does a CNC Machine Programmer make in Kentucky? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a CNC Machine Programmer in Kentucky is $59,767 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.

However, a CNC Machine Programmer's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $70,489
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $53,652 to $65,379
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $48,085

Key Factors That Influence CNC Machine Programmer Salaries

A CNC Machine Programmer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects CNC Machine Programmer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a CNC Machine Programmer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $58,093
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $58,754
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $59,923
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $60,157
  • Expert (over 8 years): $60,313
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level CNC Machine Programmer less than 1 year $58,093
Early Career Level CNC Machine Programmer 1-2 years $58,754
Mid-Level Level CNC Machine Programmer 2-4 years $59,923
Senior-Level Level CNC Machine Programmer 5-8 years $60,157
Expert Level CNC Machine Programmer over 8 years $60,313

Top Paying Cities for CNC Machine Programmer

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Graham: $57,707
  • Greenville: $57,507
  • Hartford: $57,808

CNC Machine Programmer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For CNC Machine Programmer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and MFG Durable sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 15% above the average. In contrast, CNC Machine Programmer positions in MFG Nondurable or Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view CNC Machine Programmer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a CNC Machine Programmer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense $68,732 $33.0 15%
MFG Durable $62,756 $30.0 5%

CNC Machine Programmer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a CNC Machine Programmer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$53,652
Average $59,767/year
$65,379
$4,471
Average $4,981/month
$5,448
$1,032
Average $1,149/week
$1,257
$26
Average $29/hour
$31
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $65,379 $5,448 $1,257 $31
Average $59,767 $4,981 $1,149 $29
25th Percentile $53,652 $4,471 $1,032 $26

Find Your Next CNC Machine Programmer Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current CNC Machine Programmer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Elwood Staffing | Louisville, KY

    Elwood Staffing | Louisville, KY

    Elwood Staffing - 7098 Distribution Drive - Responsibilities: Operate CNC machine and perform proper setup. Interpret blueprints and customer specification... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Safran | Walton, KY

    Safran | Walton, KY

    Job details. Domain. Production. Job field / Job profile. Manufacture assembly and repair - Conventional machining. Job title. CNC Machine Operator WB. Emp... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Universal Logistics Holdings | LOUISVILLE, KY

    Universal Logistics Holdings | LOUISVILLE, KY

    Universal Logistics Holdings - JobID: JR122460 [Production Operator / Machinist] As a CNC Machine Operator at Universal Logistics Holdings, you'll: Operate... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. | Hebron, KY

    Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. | Hebron, KY

    If you are a current Ruger employee, please click here to apply internally.Job Description:Starting wage is based on experience and shift. In addition to a... more

    7 Days Ago

  • SendCutSend Inc [175255] | Paris, KY

    SendCutSend Inc [175255] | Paris, KY

    Job Description. Job Description. Description. As a CNC Machine Operator, you will operate and support CNC fiber laser equipment to produce precision-cut a... more

    7 Days Ago

  • C & S Machine & Manufacturing Corporation | Shively, KY

    C & S Machine & Manufacturing Corporation | Shively, KY

    At a Glance Company: C & S Machine & Manufacturing Location: La Grange Job Type: Full-Time Pay Range: $19.00 – $23.00 per hour (based on experience) Shift:... more

    8 Days Ago

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Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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