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.
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What Do Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Do?
The core tasks performed by computer numerically controlled tool operators cover:
- 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
Successful computer numerically controlled tool operators rely on a mix of skills and domain knowledge.
Key Skills
The abilities 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
Common job titles for this role include:
- 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)
Employment and Demand
There are about 255,134 computer numerically controlled tool operators working in the United States today. Employment is projected to decline by -2.6% over the projection horizon.
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Pay
| 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 |
Compensation varies based on experience, location, and industry.
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Salary by State
| 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 |
Top-Paying U.S. Regions
Pay for computer numerically controlled tool operators vary by region. The following regions pay the most:
| 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 |
Top Metro Areas
| 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 |
Top Industries Employing Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
Most 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 |
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators work in the following industries:
Tools and Technology
- 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)
Work Environment
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
Typical computer numerically controlled tool operators positions require a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education. This occupation sits in Some Preparation Needed (Job Zone 2), indicating the level of preparation typically expected.
Similar Occupations
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)
Degree Programs
Students preparing for computer numerically controlled tool operators often complete programs in:
Precision Production
2 programs across 1 majors
References
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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