8 of the Highest Paying Machine Programmer Jobs in 2026

The best Machine Programmer jobs can pay up to $119,000 per year.

High Paying Machine Programmer Jobs

• PLC Engineer

  Salary range: $80,000 - $119,000

  The majority of PLC Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $80,000 (25th percentile) and $119,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the PLC Engineer job market in the United States is active, with some companies hiring.

• Numerical Control Programmer

  Salary range: $64,500 - $112,500

  The majority of Numerical Control Programmer salaries across the United States currently range between $64,500 (25th percentile) and $112,500 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Numerical Control Programmer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Machining Engineer

  Salary range: $79,500 - $97,000

  The majority of Machining Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $79,500 (25th percentile) and $97,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Machining Engineer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• PLC Programmer

  Salary range: $68,000 - $92,500

  A PLC programmer oversees the programming of various machines functioning on programmable logic controller technology. PLC technology is a digital computer that controls electromagnetic processes, primarily in industrial equipment. As a PLC programmer, you are responsible for the programming and maintenance of these systems. Your duties include developing and programming new machines, reprograming existing machines, and diagnosing and repairing issues with PLC driven systems. You may work in various specialized industries, such as the medical, manufacturing, or agriculture fields. Your job is to create or update computerized machine systems so that the input, output, and control systems function optimally to meet the needs of your employer.

• PLC Technician

  Salary range: $63,000 - $78,000

  As a PLC technician, you install and repair programmable logic control (PLC) devices. PLCs are miniature computers that communicate with and control machinery used in manufacturing systems and other industries. PLCs control assembly line machines in manufacturing plants as well as traffic lights and automated car washes. As a PLC technician, your job duties are to program, debug, and repair PLC devices to ensure that they work properly with other equipment. A career as a PLC technician is highly technical, so proper education and training are essential to finding employment.

• CNC Programmer

  Salary range: $53,000 - $72,500

  A CNC programmer operates a computer numerical control machine to cut materials like metal and plastic for building things such as airplanes or appliances. In the simplest terms, the CNC programmer uses coding and software to tell the machine what to cut. In addition to initially programming machinery, they also troubleshoot and improve existing software and codes. They work with blueprints to ensure precise directions, and engineers to make improvements.

• CNC Lathe Programmer

  Salary range: $50,500 - $70,000

  The majority of CNC Lathe Programmer salaries across the United States currently range between $50,500 (25th percentile) and $70,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the CNC Lathe Programmer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• CNC Mill Programmer

  Salary range: $49,000 - $70,000

  The majority of CNC Mill Programmer salaries across the United States currently range between $49,000 (25th percentile) and $70,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the CNC Mill Programmer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.