Manufacturing51-9161.00Specialization

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators

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.

$48,550

Median Pay

Less than 6 months

Training

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High Disruption Risk

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Career Overview Video

AI Impact Assessment

AI Resilience Score

Score 1/6: declining job demand, limited human advantage creates significant risk from AI disruption

🔴High Disruption Risk

How we calculated this:

AI Exposure

Medium+1

25% of tasks can be accelerated by AI

Job Growth

Declining+0

-11% projected (2024-2034)

Human Advantage

Weak+0

EPOCH score: 9/25

Total Score1/6

Methodology: v2.0 - GPTs are GPTs / BLS / EPOCH Additive ScoringUpdated: 2026-01-09

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Key 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.

Education & Training

Typical Entry Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Time to Job Ready

0-1 years

Based on Job Zone 2. For formal education duration only, see education_duration.

Technology Skills

CNC programming software (Mastercam, ESPRIT)CAD/CAM softwareG-code/M-codeSolidWorks/AutoCADERP systemsVerification software (Vericut)

Key Abilities

Arm-Hand SteadinessNear VisionProblem SensitivityInformation OrderingControl PrecisionReaction TimeHearing SensitivityOral ComprehensionPerceptual SpeedVisualization

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Compensation Details

$36,380

10th Percentile

$48,550

Median

$66,970

90th Percentile

Based on 187,670 employed workers

Also Known As

Aircraft Metals TechnicianAutomated Cutting Machine OperatorAutomated Equipment OperatorAutomation Machine OperatorCNC 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)

Data from O*NET 30.1 and BLS Occupational Employment Statistics

O*NET Code: 51-9161.00