---

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators in Georgia

Considering working as a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators in Georgia? Here’s what you need to know. 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 Georgia?

For computer numerically controlled tool operators working in Georgia, the typical annual salary is $47,710 per year (or about $22.94/hour).Earnings range from $36,940 at the 10th percentile to $65,250 at the 90th percentile.

Wage Statistic	Annual	Hourly
10th percentile	$36,940	$17.76
25th percentile	$39,820	$19.14
Median (50th)	$47,710	$22.94
75th percentile	$55,740	$26.80
90th percentile	$65,250	$31.37

The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in Georgia compared to the national average — is 0.40, meaning 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), exceeding the Georgia median.

Employment Outlook

Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 255,134 computer numerically controlled tool operators across the United States. In Georgia alone, around 2,200 people work in this role. That’s higher than the typical state, which employs around 1,970 computer numerically controlled tool operators.

Top Georgia Metros for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators

These are the Georgia metros with the most computer numerically controlled tool operators in Georgia.

Metro Area	Number Employed	Annual Median Salary
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA	1,030	$45,330
Savannah, GA	250	$51,030
Gainesville, GA	160	$50,050
Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC	150	$46,850
Columbus, GA-AL	80	$47,710
Athens-Clarke County, GA	60	$38,870
Dalton, GA	40	$37,760
Macon-Bibb County, GA	30	$51,540

Top States for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Employment

These states have the highest employment of 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

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

Key abilities for computer numerically controlled tool operators, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Daily Tasks

Day-to-day, 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?

Related college programs include:

• Precision Metal Working

Related Careers

Careers similar 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