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Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators in California
Thinking about a career as a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators in California? Below are the key facts. 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.
What do Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Make in California?
The computer numerically controlled tool operators working in California, the median annual wage is $55,250 per year (or about $26.56/hour).Pay can range from $38,520 at the 10th percentile to $76,990 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,520 | $18.52 |
| 25th percentile | $46,360 | $22.29 |
| Median (50th) | $55,250 | $26.56 |
| 75th percentile | $64,250 | $30.89 |
| 90th percentile | $76,990 | $37.02 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in California relative to the national average — is 0.91.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, computer numerically controlled tool operators earn a median of $33,378 per year ($16.05/hour), above the California median.
Employment Outlook
National employment for 255,134 computer numerically controlled tool operators in the U.S.. In California alone, around 18,870 people work in this role. That’s more than the typical state, which employs around 1,970 computer numerically controlled tool operators.
Top California Metros for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
The metro areas below employ the most computer numerically controlled tool operators in California.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 9,580 | $54,720 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 1,740 | $48,310 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | 1,590 | $53,910 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 1,560 | $59,030 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 1,310 | $59,730 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 750 | $54,550 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | 480 | $50,560 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | 230 | $54,400 |
| Fresno, CA | 190 | $52,030 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | 180 | $60,320 |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | 140 | $56,720 |
| Vallejo, CA | 140 | $61,900 |
| Modesto, CA | 130 | $47,570 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | 110 | $54,540 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | 90 | $55,130 |
| Visalia, CA | 80 | $56,630 |
| Chico, CA | 40 | $46,890 |
| Merced, CA | 40 | $47,660 |
Top States for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Employment
View the states that employ the most computer numerically controlled tool operators work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| Ohio | 22,980 |
| California | 18,870 |
| Texas | 13,590 |
| Wisconsin | 10,760 |
| Pennsylvania | 10,700 |
| Illinois | 9,400 |
| Michigan | 8,200 |
| Indiana | 8,050 |
| New York | 5,500 |
| Iowa | 4,710 |
| Florida | 4,590 |
| Minnesota | 4,020 |
| North Carolina | 3,870 |
| Alabama | 3,530 |
| Connecticut | 3,310 |
| Oregon | 3,070 |
| South Carolina | 2,950 |
| Missouri | 2,950 |
| Massachusetts | 2,440 |
| Kansas | 2,220 |
Highest-Paying States for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
The highest-paying states for computer numerically controlled tool operators.
| 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 |
Skills
Top computer numerically controlled tool operators skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
The abilities that matter most for computer numerically controlled tool operators, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators typically:
- 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.
- Transfer commands from servers to computer numerical control (CNC) modules, using computer network links.
- Remove and replace dull cutting tools.
- Check to ensure that workpieces are properly lubricated and cooled during machine operation.
- Adjust machine feed and speed, change cutting tools, or adjust machine controls when automatic programming is faulty or if machines malfunction.
Work Activities
- Controlling Machines and Processes
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Getting Information
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Working with Computers
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Autodesk AutoCAD, Dassault Systemes SolidWorks In-demand technologies: G-code
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Programs that train for this career include:
Related Careers
Other careers like computer numerically controlled tool operators include:
- Robotics Technicians
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
- Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers
- Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Also Known 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), CNC Machine Operator (Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator), CNC Machine Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Operator), CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist), CNC Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist), CNC Mill Operator (Computer Numerical Control Mill Operator), CNC Mill Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Mill Operator), CNC Milling Machine Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Milling Machine Operator).
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 51-9161.00
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