Computer numerically controlled tool operators
SOC Code: 51-9161Also known as:
Aircraft Metals Technician, Automated Cutting Machine Operator, Automated Equipment Operator, Automation Machine Operator, CNC Gear Operator (Computer Numerical Control Gear Operator)
Median Annual Salary
$49,970
-10.7% growth (2024-2034)
14K
Openings/Year
177K
Current Jobs
What Computer numerically controlled tool operators Do
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.
💰 Salary
$49,970
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-10.7%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
14K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
177,100
Projected Employment (2034)
158,100
Related Careers
Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$48,620 •
-13.6% growth
Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$48,310 •
-14.4% growth
Machinists
$56,150 •
+0.0% growth
Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$46,060 •
-0.5% growth
Computer numerically controlled tool programmers
$65,670 •
+12.8% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Quality Control Analysis
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Computer numerically controlled tool operators
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a computer numerically controlled tool operators:
Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist
2,174 degrees awarded •
159 colleges offer this program
Machine Shop Technology/Assistant
1,634 degrees awarded •
97 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Computer numerically controlled tool operators
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become computer numerically controlled tool operators.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do computer numerically controlled tool operators make?
The median annual salary for computer numerically controlled tool operators is $49,970.
What education do computer numerically controlled tool operators need?
Most computer numerically controlled tool operators positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist, Machine Shop Technology/Assistant.
Is becoming computer numerically controlled tool operators a good career choice?
Computer numerically controlled tool operators is projected to see -10.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 13,500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for computer numerically controlled tool operators?
Top colleges for aspiring computer numerically controlled tool operators include
Tulsa Technology Center, Gateway Technical College, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Elizabethtown Community and Technical College, Somerset Community College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to computer numerically controlled tool operators?
Computer numerically controlled tool operators may also be 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 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 Milling Machine Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Milling Machine Operator), CNC Operator (Computer Numeric Control Operator), CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator), CNC Router Operator (Computer Numerical Control Router Operator), CNC Set Up Operator (Computer Numerical Control Set Up Operator), CNC Shot Peening Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Shot Peening Operator), CNC Tech (Computer Numerical Control Technician), CNC Tech (Computer Numerically Controlled Technician).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.