AI exposure score

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers score 80 out of 100, which is very high exposure to AI. That ranks #26 of 923 US occupations, where #1 is the most exposed. Of the 16 tasks in this job, AI could speed up 11 on its own and 3 more with extra software built on top of it. In April–May 2026, 4 of these tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, Anthropic's AI assistant.

80/ 100

Very high

Rank: #26of 923 jobs
US workers: 28,500BLS, May 2025
Median pay: $68,120a year
In real AI use: 4 of 16tasks, April–May 2026

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Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

AI can speed this up on its own: 11 (69%)
AI can speed this up with extra software: 3 (19%)
Little or no AI speed-up: 2 (13%)

Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Write instruction sheets and cutter lists for a machine's controller to guide setup and encode numerical control tapes.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
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 can speed this up on its own · core task
Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Sort shop orders into groups to maximize materials utilization and minimize machine setup time.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Prepare geometric layouts from graphic displays, using computer-assisted drafting software or drafting instruments and graph paper.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
Enter coordinates of hole locations into program memories by depressing pedals or buttons of programmers.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
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 can speed this up with extra software · core task
Compare encoded tapes or computer printouts with original part specifications and blueprints to verify accuracy of instructions.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Draw machine tool paths on pattern film according to guidelines for tool speed and efficiency, using colored markers.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
Perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on machines.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
Align and secure pattern film on reference tables of optical programmers, and observe enlarger scope views of printed circuit boards.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

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Questions about computer numerically controlled tool programmers and AI

Will AI replace computer numerically controlled tool programmers?

Probably not entirely, but the job is likely to change a lot. Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers score 80 out of 100 (very high exposure), #26 of 923 US jobs. AI could speed up 14 of the job's 16 tasks, 11 of them on its own, while 2 see little or no speed-up. Exposure means the work is likely to change, not that the job will disappear.

Which computer numerically controlled tool programmers tasks can AI do?

The most exposed tasks include "Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks"; "Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes"; "Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved".

Which computer numerically controlled tool programmers tasks are hardest for AI?

Tasks with little or no AI speed-up include "Perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on machines"; "Align and secure pattern film on reference tables of optical programmers, and observe enlarger scope views of printed circuit boards".

Are people already using AI for this work?

Yes. In April–May 2026, 4 of the 16 tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, according to the Anthropic Economic Index.

How many people work as computer numerically controlled tool programmers, and what do they earn?

About 28,500 people in the US, with median pay of $68,120 a year (BLS, May 2025).

How to read this score. Exposure measures how much of the work AI could speed up, not whether the job will disappear. A highly exposed job can change shape, with people spending less time on routine tasks and more on the rest. The score counts tasks AI can speed up on its own in full, and tasks that need extra software at half weight.

The ratings come from published research based on GPT-4 (2023). To show what's happening now, each task is also checked against the latest Anthropic Economic Index, which records which tasks people actually use AI for. That data is refreshed automatically when Anthropic publishes a new release. Read the full method.