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Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators

ManufacturingO*NET 51-9161.00United States

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.

COMING SOON See related ASU learning
Median annual earnings
$50,689

50th percentile, United States

Projected change
−6.1%

2025 to 2035

Typical education
High school diploma or less

51.7% of the workforce

Employment
170.04K jobs

Growing to 159.72K by 2035

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Compare nationwide estimates with state or county job-market data.

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Build the skills

ASU learning related to this career

These courses and certificates are connected through catalog career relationships and Lightcast skill tags.

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The work

What computer numerically controlled tool operators do

Tasks reported for this occupation, ordered by how often they come up in the role.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences.
  • Calculate machine speed and feed ratios and the size and position of cuts.
  • Implement changes to machine programs, and enter new specifications, using computers.
  • 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.
  • Monitor machine operation and control panel displays, and compare readings to specifications to detect malfunctions.
  • Insert control instructions into machine control units to start operation.
  • Maintain machines and remove and replace broken or worn machine tools, using hand tools.
  • Modify cutting programs to account for problems encountered during operation, and save modified programs.
  • Lift workpieces to machines manually or with hoists or cranes.
  • Write simple programs for computer-controlled machine tools.
  • Input initial part dimensions into machine control panels.
  • Set up future jobs while machines are operating.
  • Confer with supervisors or programmers to resolve machine malfunctions or production errors or to obtain approval to continue production.
  • Control coolant systems.
  • Stack or load finished items, or place items on conveyor systems.
  • Clean machines, tooling, or parts, using solvents or solutions and rags.

Pay and outlook

What the job pays and where it is heading

Annual earnings range

Reported earnings by percentile, United States

10th percentile
$38,104
25th percentile
$44,890
50th percentile
$50,689
75th percentile
$61,776
90th percentile
$74,017

The gold marker shows the median. Half earn more than $50,689 and half earn less.

Employment outlook

2025 to 2035 projection

−6.1%projected to decline
2025170,036 jobs
2035 projected159,720 jobs

10,316 fewer positions over the decade, before replacement hiring.

Preparation

Education levels

What people currently working in the career hold. These are not entry requirements.

High school diploma or less
51.7%
Certificate
21.2%
Some college
16.8%
Associate degree
7.1%
Bachelor's degree
3.2%

Skills

Skills employers ask for

Technical skills appearing most often in job postings for this occupation.

  • Computer Numerical Control (CNC)
  • Machining
  • CNC Machining
  • Calipers
  • Micrometer
  • Tooling
  • Lathes
  • Blueprinting
  • Machinery
  • Machine Operation
  • Mills
  • Lifting Ability
  • Mechanical Aptitude
  • Machine Setup
  • Technical Drawing
  • CNC Milling
  • General Mathematics
  • Blueprint Reading
  • Precision Measuring Instruments
  • Metal Lathes

How the work gets done

Core competencies

Broad capabilities associated with strong performance in this occupation.

Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Time Management
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Systems Analysis
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Instructing
Teaching others how to do something.

In the market

Job titles and employers

Recent job postings in United States

Common job titles

  1. 01CNC Operators5,631 postings
  2. 02CNC Machine Operators4,338 postings
  3. 03CNC Set Up Operators1,491 postings
  4. 04CNC Lathe Operators864 postings
  5. 05CNC Operators/Machinists764 postings
  6. 06CNC Mill Operators711 postings
  7. 07CNC Router Operators281 postings
  8. 08CNC Laser Operators217 postings
  9. 09CNC Mill/Lathe Operators207 postings
  10. 10Plasma Operators199 postings
  11. 11CNC Swiss Machinists186 postings
  12. 12CNC Milling Machinists168 postings
  13. 13CNC Saw Operators168 postings
  14. 14Machine Operators168 postings
  15. 15CNC Lathe Machine Operators138 postings
  16. 16CNC Grinders107 postings
  17. 17CNC Lathe Set Up Operators102 postings
  18. 18Press Brake Operators80 postings
  19. 19Machine Setup Operators77 postings
  20. 20CNC Machinists73 postings

Top employers

  1. 01Aerotek1,557 postings
  2. 02Randstad319 postings
  3. 03Adecco249 postings
  4. 04ManpowerGroup229 postings
  5. 05Express Employment Professionals199 postings
  6. 06Kelly Services184 postings
  7. 07GPAC154 postings
  8. 08Staffmark149 postings
  9. 09Spherion Staffing117 postings
  10. 10Kennametal106 postings
  11. 11Entegee83 postings
  12. 12PrideStaff82 postings
  13. 13Accelera65 postings
  14. 14QPS Employment Group63 postings
  15. 15Hubbell58 postings
  16. 16The Reserves Network55 postings
  17. 17STL Staffing53 postings
  18. 18ResourceMFG48 postings
  19. 19Martin Sprocket & Gear47 postings
  20. 20Howmet Aerospace42 postings

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