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.
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
SOC: 51-9161 O*NET: 51-9161.00
Median Salary
$49,970
per year
Job Growth
📉 -10.7%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
13.5
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
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.
What does a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$37,160
10th percentile
Early Career
$42,710
25th percentile
Median
$49,970
50th percentile
Experienced
$60,980
75th percentile
Top Earners
$71,160
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$37,160
25th
$42,710
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$49,970
Mean: $52,900
75th
$60,980
90th
$71,160
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $34,000 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $42,710 and $60,980
- •Salary spread is 36.6% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 176,950 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:177,100
Top Industries
Manufacturing92%
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing35%
Machine Shops; Turned Product; and Screw, Nut, and Bolt Manufacturing20.7%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-10.7%
Annual Openings:13,500
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)177,100
Current
2034 (Projected)158,100
-10.7%
-19,000
Employment Change
-10.7%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Decline
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 48 locations
Ohio
22,980 jobs$48,1003.62x
California
18,870 jobs$55,2500.91x
Texas
13,590 jobs$46,9900.86x
Wisconsin
10,760 jobs$55,5503.21x
Pennsylvania
10,700 jobs$55,6101.55x
Illinois
9,400 jobs$48,0101.35x
Michigan
8,200 jobs$46,6301.63x
Indiana
8,050 jobs$47,6902.20x
New York
5,500 jobs$50,6100.50x
Iowa
4,710 jobs$50,2502.63x
Florida
4,590 jobs$45,2900.41x
Minnesota
4,020 jobs$53,8401.20x
North Carolina
3,870 jobs$52,7400.69x
Alabama
3,530 jobs$49,4301.47x
Connecticut
3,310 jobs$53,7601.71x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operations Monitoring
100%
#2
Operation and Control
94%
#3
Critical Thinking
86%
#4
Monitoring
80%
#5
Quality Control Analysis
74%
#6
Complex Problem Solving
66%
#7
Troubleshooting
60%
#8
Active Listening
54%
#9
Time Management
46%
#10
Repairing
40%
Skills Overview
Operations Monitoring
advanced5.0
100%
Operation and Control
advanced4.7
94%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.3
86%
Monitoring
intermediate4.0
80%
Quality Control Analysis
intermediate3.7
74%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.3
66%
Troubleshooting
intermediate3.0
60%
Active Listening
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Operations Monitoring
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Operation and Control
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Troubleshooting
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Active Listening
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Time Management
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Repairing
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas82%
5 shared skills
Automotive Body and Related Repairers73%
5 shared skills
Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners73%
5 shared skills
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians67%
5 shared skills
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics67%
5 shared skills
Boilermakers67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Monitoring
Learn on the Job:
- →Troubleshooting
- →Active Listening
- →Complex Problem Solving
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Operation and Control
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Operation and Control
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Quality Control Analysis
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Autodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechDassault Systemes SolidWorks
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Project
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Autodesk AutoCAD
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Microsoft Outlook
SAP software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Project
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (17)Training & Development (2)Operations & Execution (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)
1
Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Remove and replace dull cutting tools.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
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.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Adjust machine feed and speed, change cutting tools, or adjust machine controls when automatic programming is faulty or if machines malfunction.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Lift workpieces to machines manually or with hoists or cranes.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Modify cutting programs to account for problems encountered during operation, and save modified programs.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Calculate machine speed and feed ratios and the size and position of cuts.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Insert control instructions into machine control units to start operation.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Training & Development73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.56
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.19
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.08
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.05
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.01
Integrity
ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level3.96
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.6
Dependability
4.2
Cooperation
4.1
Initiative
4.0
Analytical Thinking
4.0
Integrity
4.0
Independence
3.9
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.8
Stress Tolerance
3.8
Self-Control
3.8
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
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