CAM/CAD Operator
A CAM / CAD operator is responsible for utilizing computer tools to edit data and communicate potential issues to customer and/or sales staff and come up with creative solutions to help streamline the manufacturing of boards.
When someone mentions CAD programming, odds are they will also bring up CAM programming in the same conversation. Some people even erroneously use the two terms interchangeably.
The main difference between CAD and CAM programming is CAD stands for Computer-Aided Design (in some circles, it can refer synonymously to Computer-Aided Drafting), which refers to the design or modification of a digital model while CAM is Computer-Aided Manufacturing and controls the machine used to produce a part. CAM draws the CAD model into the real world.
Job Overview
Salary
Workplace
How to Start
Job Overview
What does a CAM/CAD Designer do?
CAM / CAD operators are skilled technicians who control light or heavy machinery and use their in-depth knowledge to perform tasks. These operators need attention to detail and to concentrate and be precise in their work. They utilize hand-eye coordination and turn to their technical and mechanical skills to operate machinery and electronic equipment. They use and oversee equipment needed to produce items and could be hired to produce anything from high-tech gadgets to appliances.
Operators ensure their machines perform at optimal levels and follow a regular upkeep schedule.. They may also perform necessary repairs. Operators inspect pieces or electronic products the machine produces and bring issues to management’s attention immediately. They abide by workplace and governmental guidelines to reduce the chance of injury to themselves and others.
Computer Knowledge
To perform this job successfully, an individual may need knowledge of Frontline Genesis 2000 CAM software and Microsoft Office Suite.
Language Skills
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Salary
How much does a CAM/CAD Designer make?
The average pay for a CAM/CAD Operator in the United States is $22.88 per hour. The hourly wages can be seen as high as $34.13 and as low as $15.14, the majority of Cad Cam Operator wages currently range between $18.75 (25th percentile) to $25.72 (75th percentile) across the United States.
These are 2025 national salary averages and may fluctuate based on location.
Workplace
What does the workplace for a CAM/CAD Designer look like?
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb stairs, and reach with both hands and arms. The employee is regularly required to talk or hear and to perform repetitive motion. The employee is frequently required to sit. This position is considered a light-duty position, meaning that employees may regularly be required to lift up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, the ability to adjust focus. These vision requirements are necessary to complete the keyboarding, mousing, filing, and copying functions of the job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. As such, hearing protection is not required.How to Start
How to become a CAM/CAD Designer?
Associate’s degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or six months to one year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Typical Qualifications:
- College education with emphasis on programming/computer science preferred
- Minimum of 2 years of experience as a CAM Operator in a Printed Circuit manufacturing environment is preferred
- Prior experience in a printed circuit manufacturing environment is preferred
- They must be able to read blueprints, customer specifications and be familiar with or capable of learning industry standards such as IPC
