Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Career, Salary and Skills
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators have a BLS-reported national median annual wage of $50,690 based on the 2025 OEWS dataset, with reported national employment of 169,450. Wage data is published for 334 locations.
Occupation description
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.
O*NET code
51-9161.00
Job zone
2
Typical education
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Experience
None
National salary and employment
Median annual
$50,690
Hourly median
$24.37
Employment
169,450
Data year
2025
National salary distribution
$38,140
10th
$44,930
25th
$50,690
Median
$61,760
75th
$73,890
90th
Top skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Operation and Control | 4.12 | 3.88 |
| Operations Monitoring | 4.12 | 3.88 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.62 | 3.62 |
| Monitoring | 3.62 | 3.62 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.38 | 3.50 |
| Troubleshooting | 3.12 | 2.88 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.12 | 3.00 |
| Active Listening | 3.12 | 3.00 |
| Equipment Maintenance | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Speaking | 3.00 | 3.00 |
Typical tasks
- 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.
- Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.
Technology
- Delcam PowerMILL
- Direct motion computer numerically controlled CNC software
- DP Technology ESPRIT
- EditCNC
- Eko
- ERP software
- ExtraTech Machine Tools Suite
- EZ-CAM
- FaceTime
- FlashCut CNC
- G-code
- HOMAG WoodWOP
- IMSI TurboCAD
- JETCAM
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators salary by location
Areas with the highest reported employment for this occupation.
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Salary in CAMedian $56,510 · Employment 21,680
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Salary in OHMedian $49,160 · Employment 21,250
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Salary in TXMedian $48,480 · Employment 13,190
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Salary in Los Angeles, CAMedian $54,980 · Employment 10,450
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Salary in INMedian $48,590 · Employment 9,690
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Salary in WIMedian $52,690 · Employment 8,330
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Salary in ILMedian $48,420 · Employment 8,170
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Salary in PAMedian $54,590 · Employment 7,840
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Salary in MIMedian $47,250 · Employment 7,330
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Salary in NYMedian $53,340 · Employment 5,530
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Salary in Chicago, ILMedian $48,660 · Employment 5,480
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Salary in Houston, TXMedian $50,280 · Employment 5,200
Related careers
- Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticNational median $49,030
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and TendersNational median $46,570
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticNational median $47,720
- Tool and Die MakersNational median $64,050
- Electrical and Electronic Equipment AssemblersNational median not published
- Robotics TechniciansNational median $73,900
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems AssemblersNational median $65,380
- Electromechanical Equipment AssemblersNational median not published
Career and skills data: O*NET 31.0 (onetcenter.org). Salary and employment data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2025 (bls.gov/oes). Figures are published survey estimates, not real-time market data.