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Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators in Florida

Want to work as a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators in Florida? Here’s what the data says. 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 Florida?

For a computer numerically controlled tool operators working in Florida, the median annual wage is $45,290 per year (or about $21.77/hour).Pay can range from $35,130 at the 10th percentile to $63,160 at the 90th percentile.

Wage Statistic	Annual	Hourly
10th percentile	$35,130	$16.89
25th percentile	$37,590	$18.07
Median (50th)	$45,290	$21.77
75th percentile	$52,670	$25.32
90th percentile	$63,160	$30.37

Location quotient — how concentrated this career is in Florida relative to the national average — is 0.41, indicating fewer computer numerically controlled tool operators per worker than the national average.

National Wage Comparison

Nationally, computer numerically controlled tool operators earn a median of $33,378 per year ($16.05/hour), higher than the Florida median.

Employment Outlook

There are roughly 255,134 computer numerically controlled tool operators across the United States. In Florida alone, about 4,590 people work in this role. That puts the state above the typical state, which employs around 1,970 computer numerically controlled tool operators.

Top Florida Metros for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators

The metro areas below employ the most computer numerically controlled tool operators in Florida.

Metro Area	Number Employed	Annual Median Salary
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL	1,050	$47,690
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL	920	$42,070
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL	440	$41,550
Naples-Marco Island, FL	390	$37,980
North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL	330	$46,260
Jacksonville, FL	250	$44,510
Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL	200	$44,870
Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL	180	$45,360
Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL	110	$40,210
Port St. Lucie, FL	110	$52,810
Gainesville, FL	90	$52,060
Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL	90	$44,810
Ocala, FL	60	$44,810
Tallahassee, FL	60	$45,070
Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL	50	$40,040
Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL	30	$44,920

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

These states pay the most 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

The most important computer numerically controlled tool operators skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Knowledge Areas

Key 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

Software and systems commonly involved: Hot technologies: Autodesk AutoCAD, Dassault Systemes SolidWorks In-demand technologies: G-code

What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?

Several college majors map to this occupation:

• Precision Metal Working

Related Careers

Related occupations to 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