SOC 51-9161.00

    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.

    Median pay
    $50,690
    Growth
    -9.4%
    Decline
    Openings a year
    12,500
    Typical education
    High school diploma

    Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition

    Source: BLS 2025 wages · 2025–35 projections

    See the pathway

    Annual pay range

    Lowest 10% earn less than
    $38,140
    Median
    $50,690
    Highest 10% earn more than
    $73,890
    National wages for all workers in this occupation. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.

    169,450 people work in this occupation.

    In short

    Computer numerically controlled tool operators run computer-managed machinery and robots to shape wood, metal, plastic, and other materials. In 2025, these operators earned a median annual pay of $50,690.

    Written with AI from the BLS, O*NET and CareerOneStop data on this page. Every figure is checked against that data before it is published.

    What computer numerically controlled tool operators do

    Job Zone 2: Some preparation

    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.

    Usually a high school diploma; some on-the-job training or experience.

    What the work is like

    Workers in this field operate, monitor, and maintain computer-controlled tools and robotic equipment to process various work pieces. Day-to-day tasks involve controlling machines, inspecting materials, and monitoring processes to ensure everything runs safely and complies with quality standards. Operators must make decisions and solve problems when equipment malfunctions, which requires troubleshooting and active equipment maintenance.

    This occupation aligns with realistic interests, meaning it suits people who enjoy hands-on, practical work. Success in this role requires strong skills in operations monitoring, quality control analysis, and critical thinking. Operators rely on their knowledge of mathematics, mechanical systems, production processing, and computers. They must also demonstrate key work styles, including high attention to detail, dependability, cautiousness, and stress tolerance to safely handle heavy machinery and materials.

    How to get there

    Entering this career typically requires a high school diploma. Because this occupation is classified under O*NET Job Zone 2, most workers need some basic preparation, which usually includes a combination of a high school education and some on-the-job training or previous experience.

    Students interested in this pathway often pursue college majors in precision metal working. While not always mandatory, individuals can earn professional credentials to demonstrate their skills, such as the Machining Level I - CNC Milling: Programming Setup & Operations certification offered by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills.

    Pay and outlook explained

    According to 2025 data, the median annual pay for these operators is $50,690. Salaries range from less than $38,140 for the lowest 10% of earners to more than $73,890 for the highest 10% of earners.

    There are 169,450 people employed in this field. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to decline by -9.4%. Despite this projected decline in total jobs, the field is still expected to yield 12,500 openings each year.

    Interest profile

    Realistic (R) · strongest
    91 / 100
    Investigative (I)
    31 / 100
    Artistic (A)
    3 / 100
    Social (S)
    0 / 100
    Enterprising (E)
    6 / 100
    Conventional (C)
    73 / 100
    How strongly each interest area describes the work, from O*NET (scores rescaled to 0–100). The interest code lists the strongest areas in order.

    Interest code RCI. Compare it with yours

    What you'd do

    Controlling Machines and Processes
    90
    Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
    82
    Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
    77
    Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
    75
    Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
    71
    Making Decisions and Solving Problems
    71
    Getting Information
    71
    Handling and Moving Objects
    71
    Working with Computers
    70
    Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
    69
    Work activities rated by importance for this occupation, O*NET (0–100).

    Skills and strengths

    Skills

    • Operation and Control
    • Operations Monitoring
    • Critical Thinking
    • Monitoring
    • Quality Control Analysis
    • Active Listening
    • Complex Problem Solving
    • Troubleshooting
    • Equipment Maintenance
    • Judgment and Decision Making

    Knowledge

    • Mathematics
    • Production and Processing
    • Mechanical
    • English Language
    • Engineering and Technology
    • Education and Training
    • Design
    • Administration and Management
    • Computers and Electronics
    • Physics

    Abilities

    • Arm-Hand Steadiness
    • Near Vision
    • Information Ordering
    • Problem Sensitivity
    • Control Precision
    • Reaction Time
    • Hearing Sensitivity
    • Auditory Attention
    • Finger Dexterity
    • Manual Dexterity

    Work styles

    • Attention to Detail
    • Dependability
    • Cautiousness
    • Achievement Orientation
    • Stress Tolerance
    • Self-Confidence
    • Adaptability
    • Intellectual Curiosity
    • Integrity
    • Perseverance

    Also called

    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)

    Career pathway

    From your interests to computer numerically controlled tool operators

    Interests that fit the work, the career, majors that lead there and colleges whose graduates in those majors earn the most. Hover or focus a step to follow one path.

    1. Interests

    2. This career

      • Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators$50,690 median pay

    3. Majors

    4. Colleges

    College Scorecard program outcomes

    Colleges with strong outcomes

    Programs that lead to this career, ranked by what their graduates earn four years after finishing. Earnings are for graduates who received federal aid.

    1. 1Ferris State University logo
      Ferris State University

      Big Rapids, MI · Precision Metal Working · Associate

      1 yr after
      Not reported
      4 yrs after
      $86,941
      Median debt
      $12,000
    2. 2Del Mar College logo
      Del Mar College

      Corpus Christi, TX · Precision Metal Working · Associate

      1 yr after
      $41,304
      4 yrs after
      $79,303
      Median debt
      Not reported
    3. 3Hennepin Technical College logo
      Hennepin Technical College

      Brooklyn Park, MN · Precision Metal Working · Associate

      1 yr after
      $68,632
      4 yrs after
      $76,020
      Median debt
      $11,033
    4. 4
      Des Moines Area Community College

      Ankeny, IA · Precision Metal Working · Associate

      1 yr after
      $65,355
      4 yrs after
      $75,145
      Median debt
      Not reported
    5. 5
      Ivy Tech Community College

      Indianapolis, IN · Precision Metal Working · Associate

      1 yr after
      $69,427
      4 yrs after
      $75,002
      Median debt
      $5,900
    6. 6Dunwoody College of Technology logo
      Dunwoody College of Technology

      Minneapolis, MN · Precision Metal Working · Associate

      1 yr after
      $60,388
      4 yrs after
      $70,886
      Median debt
      $12,000
    7. 7
      Pennsylvania College of Technology

      Williamsport, PA · Precision Metal Working · Associate

      1 yr after
      $63,054
      4 yrs after
      $70,298
      Median debt
      $19,500
    8. 8Austin Community College District logo
      Austin Community College District

      Austin, TX · Precision Metal Working · Associate

      1 yr after
      $46,036
      4 yrs after
      $69,185
      Median debt
      Not reported

    Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard field-of-study data, 2025. Programs with few graduates are not listed.

    NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk

    Majors that lead here

    Related programs by four-digit CIP code. They are common routes in, not the only ones.

    CareerOneStop

    Certifications, licenses and pay by state

    What computer numerically controlled tool operators may need beyond a degree, where a license is required, and what the work pays in each state.

    Certifications

    Core certifications employers recognise for this work.

    Search all certifications on CareerOneStop

    Training

    Programs of study that prepare people for this work.

    • Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist
    • Machine Shop Technology/Assistant

    Find training near you on CareerOneStop

    Data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor (Employment and Training Administration, with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development). Retrieved November 9, 2026.

    Your plan

    Build my pathway plan

    Courses, majors, colleges, scholarships and a timeline for this career, built from your profile.

    Related careers

    Careers with similar work, interests or skills.

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    Questions about computer numerically controlled tool operators

    Written with AI from the BLS, O*NET and CareerOneStop data on this page. Every figure is checked against that data before it is published.

    What are some alternative job titles for this career?

    People in this occupation are also called CNC machine operators, automated equipment operators, aircraft metals technicians, and CNC lathe operators.

    What kind of training is required to start?

    Most workers enter the field with a high school diploma. They typically gain the necessary skills through on-the-job training or prior experience in manufacturing environments.

    Are there any specific certifications available for this role?

    Yes, operators can earn the Machining Level I - CNC Milling: Programming Setup & Operations certification from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills.

    Sources and attribution

    Every figure on this page comes from these public datasets. Missing values are shown as not reported, never estimated.

    O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. CollegesRef has modified all or some of this information.

    Data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor (Employment and Training Administration, with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development). Retrieved November 9, 2026.

    Page data updated November 5, 2026.