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Numerical tool and process control programmer

Also called numerical tool maker, numerical tool setter, numerical tool programmer

Numerical tool and process control programmers develop computer programs to control automatic machines and equipment involved in manufacturing processes. They analyse blueprints and job orders, conduct computer simulations and trial runs.

Will there be jobs?Yes, good prospectsShortage in 10 countries now. 59 jobs to fill by 2035 for every 100 people doing this work today.ICT professionalsWhat does it pay?Well above averageFrom about €2,900 (Slovakia) to €7,300 (Denmark) a month, depending on the country.Estimate · ICT professionalsWhat do I need to study?Usually a degree8 in 10 have a degree.ICT professionalsWill AI change it?SignificantlyLevel 5 of 6. AI could take on part of most tasks, but none fully.Applications programmers · ILO

What you'd do

Applications programmers · ILO
  • Writing and maintaining programme code outlined in instructions and specifications in accordance with quality accredited standards
  • Revising, repairing or expanding existing programmes to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements
  • Conducting trial runs of programmes and software applications to confirm that they will produce the desired information
  • Compiling and writing documentation of programme development
  • Identifying and communicating technical problems, processes and solutions
Apply control process statistical methodsProgram a CNC controllerUse measurement instrumentsUse CAD softwareSet up the controller of a machine+ 3 more essential skills
What the work is like
  • Indoors
  • A mix of sitting and standing
  • Some contact with people
  • Some freedom to decide
  • Usually 40 hours a week
  • Deadlines most weeks
  • Some repetitive tasks
US data: based on the O*NET profile of the US job "Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers"

Will there be jobs?

Yes, good prospects

10 EU countries are short of applications programmers now, and many jobs will need filling by 2035.

People working as ICT professionals in the EU
2.77m4.86m6.75m 201520232035

Solid: measured. Dashed: forecast.

Jobs to fill, 2026–2035
1,516,000 new jobs 1,592,000 replacing leavers
Jobs to fill per 100 people working now
ICT professionals59
All jobs29
Right now
10 of 27 countries report a shortage of applications programmers, 5 a surplus.
Applications programmers · EURES

What does it pay?

Well above average

Pay depends a lot on the country: from about €2,900 a month (Slovakia) to €7,300 (Denmark), before tax.

Pick a country at the top of the page to see typical pay there, for people under 30, and compared with all jobs.

Among professionals in the EU, women earn 21% less per hour than men. Professionals · Eurostat

What do I need to study?

Usually a degree

A degree in software and applications development and analysis is the usual route.

Highest qualification of ICT professionals (EU, 2025)
Degree 81%Vocational 10%General secondary 7%Basic schooling 2%
Field that teaches it
Software and applications development and analysis
Vocational route, EU
4 in 10 trainees in this field
ICT graduates in a matching job
77% in the EU

887 institutions in the EU offer ICT bachelor's degrees. Pick a country at the top of the page to see where to study and the official course finders.

Will AI change it?

Significantly

AI could take on part of most tasks, but none fully.

How exposed is this job? ILO scale
Very low
Low
Some tasks
Moderate
Significant
High

Average task score 0.57 on a scale from 0 (AI can't do it) to 1 (AI could do it fully).

See the score for each of the 5 tasks
Writing and maintaining programme code outlined in instructions and specifications in accordance with quality accredited standards0.69
Compiling and writing documentation of programme development0.61
Revising, repairing or expanding existing programmes to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements0.56
Conducting trial runs of programmes and software applications to confirm that they will produce the desired information0.54
Identifying and communicating technical problems, processes and solutions0.47

Based on what AI could technically do when assessed in 2025. It is not a forecast for a future year, and not a forecast of job losses. Scores for applications programmers. Source: ILO (2025), adapted (credits).