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Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators: Job Description
Operate computer-controlled tools, machines, or robots to machine or process parts, tools, or other work pieces made of metal, plastic, wood, stone, or other materials. May also set up and maintain equipment.
The Daily Work of Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Do?
Typical responsibilities of computer numerically controlled tool operators span:
- Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.
- Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces.
- Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
- Review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences.
- Stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences.
- Listen to machines during operation to detect sounds such as those made by dull cutting tools or excessive vibration, and adjust machines to compensate for problems.
- Implement changes to machine programs, and enter new specifications, using computers.
- Calculate machine speed and feed ratios and the size and position of cuts.
What Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Need to Know
Top computer numerically controlled tool operators draw on a mix of skills and domain knowledge.
Key Skills
These are the skills that matter most in this role, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Core Knowledge
Other Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Job Titles
People in this occupation may also be known by titles such as:
- Aircraft Metals Technician
- Automated Cutting Machine Operator
- Automated Equipment Operator
- Automation Machine Operator
- CNC Gear Operator (Computer Numerical Control Gear Operator)
- CNC Laser Operator (Computer Numerical Control Laser Operator)
- CNC Lathe Operator (Computer Numerical Control Lathe Operator)
- CNC Lathe Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Lathe Operator)
Job Outlook
The U.S. employs around 255,134 computer numerically controlled tool operators working in the United States today. This occupation is expected to decline by -2.6% over the projection horizon.
Salary for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual median | $33,378 |
| Hourly median | $16.05 |
| 10th percentile | $20,000 |
| 25th percentile | $26,659 |
| 75th percentile | $40,097 |
| 90th percentile | $46,817 |
Pay can vary substantially based on experience, location, and industry.
How Much Do Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Make in Different U.S. States?
| State | Annual median salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $104,120 |
| Massachusetts | $61,820 |
| North Dakota | $61,610 |
| Maine | $59,270 |
| New Jersey | $56,750 |
| Pennsylvania | $55,610 |
| Wisconsin | $55,550 |
| New Hampshire | $55,450 |
| California | $55,250 |
| Minnesota | $53,840 |
| Connecticut | $53,760 |
| Wyoming | $53,350 |
| Vermont | $52,820 |
| North Carolina | $52,740 |
| Maryland | $52,000 |
| Oregon | $51,330 |
| Rhode Island | $51,090 |
| Colorado | $50,900 |
| New York | $50,610 |
| South Dakota | $50,460 |
| Louisiana | $50,400 |
| Nevada | $50,350 |
| Iowa | $50,250 |
| Nebraska | $50,130 |
| South Carolina | $49,830 |
| Alabama | $49,430 |
| Missouri | $49,260 |
| Oklahoma | $48,820 |
| Arkansas | $48,810 |
| Tennessee | $48,710 |
| Arizona | $48,650 |
| Ohio | $48,100 |
| Illinois | $48,010 |
| Kentucky | $47,730 |
| Georgia | $47,710 |
| Indiana | $47,690 |
| Delaware | $47,670 |
| Virginia | $47,570 |
| Kansas | $47,540 |
| Idaho | $47,240 |
| Montana | $47,210 |
| Texas | $46,990 |
| Michigan | $46,630 |
| West Virginia | $45,900 |
| Utah | $45,880 |
| Florida | $45,290 |
| New Mexico | $43,720 |
| Mississippi | $39,870 |
Where Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Earn the Most
Compensation for computer numerically controlled tool operators shift depending on where you work. Top regions by median wage:
| Region | Median annual wage | Share of U.S. jobs | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|
| Far Western US | $58,279 | 13.6% | 0.92 |
| New England | $56,277 | 5.6% | 1.65 |
| Middle Atlantic | $53,988 | 11.4% | 1.05 |
| Plains States | $50,777 | 9.4% | 1.68 |
| Great Lakes | $49,176 | 33.6% | 2.72 |
| Rocky Mountains | $48,346 | 1.8% | 0.46 |
| Southeast | $48,316 | 14.9% | 0.77 |
| Southwest | $47,351 | 9.8% | 0.83 |
Highest-Paying Metro Areas for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
| Metro area | State | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | WA | $104,120 | 1,600 |
| Wilmington, NC | NC | $82,920 | 520 |
| Columbus, IN | IN | $64,700 | 830 |
| Asheville, NC | NC | $62,660 | 360 |
| Albany, OR | OR | $62,150 | 260 |
| Worcester, MA | MA | $61,970 | 370 |
| Vallejo, CA | CA | $61,900 | 140 |
| Reading, PA | PA | $61,690 | 540 |
Industry Breakdown
The bulk of computer numerically controlled tool operators are concentrated in the following sectors:
| Industry | Employment | Median annual wage |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 162,710 | $50,140 |
| Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | 4,970 | $36,430 |
| Wholesale Trade | 4,760 | $48,670 |
| Construction | 1,310 | $47,840 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 1,120 | $58,610 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | 790 | $51,610 |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | 310 | $108,850 |
| Retail Trade | 190 | $48,160 |
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Tech Stack
- Computer aided design CAD software: Autodesk AutoCAD (hot technology)
- Computer aided design CAD software: Dassault Systemes SolidWorks (hot technology)
- Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel (hot technology)
- Office suite software: Microsoft Office software (hot technology)
- Electronic mail software: Microsoft Outlook (hot technology)
- Presentation software: Microsoft PowerPoint (hot technology)
- Project management software: Microsoft Project (hot technology)
- Word processing software: Microsoft Word (hot technology)
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software: SAP software (hot technology)
- Object or component oriented development software: G-code (in demand)
What the Workplace Is Like
Daily working conditions for computer numerically controlled tool operators reflects the following characteristics:
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Spend Time Standing
- Time Pressure
- Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
Education and Training
Entry-level computer numerically controlled tool operators positions require a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education. The role falls in Some Preparation Needed (Job Zone 2), indicating the level of preparation typically expected.
Other Careers to Consider
Similar Occupations
- Robotics Technicians (Supplemental)
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics (Supplemental)
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers (Supplemental)
- Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers (Supplemental)
- Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers (Supplemental)
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (Supplemental)
- Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (Supplemental)
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (Supplemental)
Top Programs to Study For This Career
Students preparing for computer numerically controlled tool operators commonly pursue programs in:
Precision Production
2 programs across 1 majors
About the Data
Data on this page comes from the following authoritative sources:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for employment and wage data by state and industry.
- BLS Employment Projections for total employment and growth forecasts.
- O*NET (Occupational Information Network) for skills, knowledge, tasks, work activities, work context, technology, and education-zone data.
SOC code: 51-9161.00 (Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators).
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