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CNC Programmers recruitingCNC Programmer Recruiter
We recruit CNC programmers with CAM, G-code, multi-axis, mill, lathe, tooling, process-development and precision-manufacturing expertise. Manufacturing is the only thing we recruit for.
8 open searches for CNC programmers right now.
In North Carolina, Ohio and California. Titles on the board: CNC Programmer, CAD Programmer, Swiss Citizen Programmer/Operator, Manufacturing Engineer/CNC Programmer.
What we screen CNC programmers for.
Common skills, systems and technologies we use when sourcing and evaluating CNC programmers. The list is a starting point, not a requirement that one person have everything.
- Mastercam
- GibbsCAM
- Esprit
- Fusion 360
- NX CAM
- SolidCAM
- CAMWorks
- FeatureCAM
- Hypermill
- CNC Mill
- CNC Lathe
- Swiss
- 3-Axis
- 4-Axis
- 5-Axis
- Mill-Turn
- Live Tooling
- Multi-Axis
- G-Code
- Macro Programming
- Post Processors
- Toolpath Development
- Speeds & Feeds
- Tool Selection
- Fixture Strategy
- Prove-Out
- Fanuc
- Haas
- Mazatrol
- Okuma OSP
- Siemens
- Heidenhain
- GD&T
- Tight Tolerances
- Aerospace
- Medical
Hiring CNC programmers, start to offer.
- 01 · Understand
Define the real job
We learn the role, environment, compensation, must-haves and the reasons a strong person would make a move. For CNC programmers, that means the cam software, machining and programming behind the title.
- 02 · Search
Build the market
We search databases, networks and direct-source talent instead of relying only on active applicants, and we search by the work: Mastercam, GibbsCAM, Esprit, not just a job title.
- 03 · Screen
Have the conversation
We evaluate experience, motivation, fit, location and the practical reasons the move does, or does not, make sense.
- 04 · Close
Stay involved
Interview coordination, feedback, offer communication and follow-through until both sides know where things stand.
Every candidate we present comes with an accurate, uninflated pay number, how we screened them, and what stands between them and a yes. Our hiring guide walks through it.
What CNC programmers earn, by state.
The closest federal wage group, nationally and in every state where we have open searches. CNC Tool Programmers first.
| Where | People in the job | 25th percentile | Median | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 28,500 | $28.01 | $32.75 | $39.37 |
| North Carolina | 760 | $25.50 | $30.77 | $37.54 |
| Wisconsin | 1,610 | $30.00 | $32.43 | $34.88 |
| Texas | 1,930 | $28.00 | $33.44 | $39.04 |
| Pennsylvania | 1,080 | $28.18 | $31.89 | $36.16 |
| Minnesota | 1,250 | $30.64 | $35.67 | $39.34 |
| California | 2,990 | $31.94 | $39.47 | $49.51 |
| Washington | 660 | $35.37 | $39.14 | $46.34 |
| Illinois | 1,070 | $29.38 | $33.09 | $38.52 |
| Ohio | 2,370 | $22.13 | $28.89 | $34.82 |
| Georgia | Not published | $26.95 | $29.50 | $36.00 |
| Arizona | Not published | $27.85 | $35.79 | $39.26 |
| Oregon | Not published | $30.72 | $36.13 | $42.10 |
| Michigan | 2,300 | $28.31 | $31.08 | $36.88 |
| Montana | 60 | $28.73 | $34.07 | $39.33 |
CNC Tool Programmers (SOC 51-9162), an hour. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Pick the agreement that fits the opening.
| Agreement | Fee | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Contingency | 25%, 30% or 33% | Success-based search with no upfront fee. The rate follows the guarantee: 60, 120 or 180 days. |
| Priority | By agreement | A higher-commitment search for urgent, difficult or high-impact openings. |
| Retained | 20%, 25% or 28% | A committed, exclusive search, 50% paid up front, five points under contingency. |
| Retained + Volume | 15% or 20% | More than five active openings, exclusive, with a 90 or 180-day guarantee. |
| RPO | By agreement | Large hiring projects, expansions, recurring hiring or many placements. |
From our published pricing and search agreements. Every public option pays through secure Stripe Instant Pay.
Hiring CNC programmers with Compass
How much does it cost to hire CNC programmers through Compass?
We publish our fees. Contingency searches are 25% with a 60-day guarantee, 30% with 120 days, or 33% with 180 days, with no upfront search fee. Retained searches are 20 to 28% with half up front. See pricing.
What do CNC programmers earn?
The closest federal wage group, CNC tool programmers, earned a median of $32.75 an hour nationally in May 2025, with the middle half between $28.01 and $39.37. Of the states where we have open searches, California pays the most ($39.47) and Ohio the least ($28.89). See every state.
Where do you recruit CNC programmers?
Across the United States, from our base in Missoula, Montana. We have open searches for CNC programmers right now in North Carolina, Ohio and California.
How do you find CNC programmers who are not applying to jobs?
We search databases, networks and direct-source talent instead of relying only on active applicants, and we recruit around the actual equipment, processes and responsibilities behind the title, so strong candidates are not missed because another plant calls the job something different.
What skills do you screen CNC programmers for?
It depends on the job, but we organize every search for CNC programmers around cam software, machining, programming and controls & precision: Mastercam, GibbsCAM, Esprit; CNC Mill, CNC Lathe, Swiss; G-Code, Macro Programming, Post Processors; Fanuc, Haas, Mazatrol. A starting point, not a requirement that one person have everything.
Need CNC Programmers?
Tell us what you need. We will tell you how we would attack it.