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CNC Machine Programmer Salary in Tennessee

How much does a CNC Machine Programmer make in Tennessee? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a CNC Machine Programmer in Tennessee is $59,354 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): $70,002
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $53,282 to $64,928
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $47,753
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out CNC Machine Programmer Job Openings in Tennessee

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): $57,692
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $58,348
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $59,509
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $59,741
  • Expert (over 8 years): $59,896
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level CNC Machine Programmer less than 1 year $57,692
Early Career Level CNC Machine Programmer 1-2 years $58,348
Mid-Level Level CNC Machine Programmer 2-4 years $59,509
Senior-Level Level CNC Machine Programmer 5-8 years $59,741
Expert Level CNC Machine Programmer over 8 years $59,896

How Do CNC Machine Programmer Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract CNC Machine Programmers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $70,323.
  • California: $70,056.
  • Massachusetts: $69,123.

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:

  • Cornersville: $58,338
  • Lexington: $57,216
  • Iron City: $55,221

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 $68,257 $33.0 15%
MFG Durable $62,322 $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
$53,282
Average $59,354/year
$64,928
$4,440
Average $4,946/month
$5,411
$1,025
Average $1,141/week
$1,249
$26
Average $29/hour
$31
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $64,928 $5,411 $1,249 $31
Average $59,354 $4,946 $1,141 $29
25th Percentile $53,282 $4,440 $1,025 $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.

  • Merritt Precision | Sweetwater, TN

    CNC Programmer Mill Operator

    Merritt Precision | Sweetwater, TN

    CNC Programmer/Mill Operator-EngineerMerritt Precision manufactures highly sophisticated molds for the marine, automotive, and aerospace industry in Merrit... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Smith & Nephew - USA | Memphis, TN

    Sr CNC Programmer

    Smith & Nephew - USA | Memphis, TN

    Job Description. Job Description. Life. Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. Are you driven by... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Trident Industries | Knoxville, TN

    CNC Programmer Machinist

    Trident Industries | Knoxville, TN

    Job Description. Job Description.         . Responsibilities. o   Setup and operate various types of machines (lathes, mills, drills. CNC & Manual, Wire ED... more

    6 Days Ago

  • CG Model Tek LLC | Tullahoma, TN

    CNC Programmer Machinist

    CG Model Tek LLC | Tullahoma, TN

    Job Description. Job Description. CNC Programmer using Mastercam 2023 or newer software.  Complex 3D parts for the Aerospace R&D industry.  Must be profici... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Express Employment Professionals | Nashville, TN

    CNC Programmer CAD

    Express Employment Professionals | Nashville, TN

    Job SummaryExpress Employment Professionals are seeking a skilled CNC Programmer for a local casework company.The ideal candidate will have a strong backgr... more

    7 Days Ago

  • GOVERNMENT & INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY, INC | Pulaski, TN

    CNC Programmer Machinist &amp

    GOVERNMENT & INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY, INC | Pulaski, TN

    At a Glance Company: Government & Industrial Supply, Inc. (GIS Precision Machining) Location: On-site (add City, State) Job Type: Full-Time Pay Range: $25 ... more

    7 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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