Careers / Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators — Career Decision Dashboard
United States
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Report generated from official BLS OEWS and O*NET data — United States.
Median annual wage
$50,690
United States, 2025
Employment
169,450
United States, 2025
Typical education
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Job Zone 2
Skills identified
35
10 related careers
Career overview
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
- Experience required
- None
Typical tasks
- 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.
Choose a location
Salary analysis — United States
10th percentile
$38,140
25th percentile
$44,930
75th percentile
$61,760
90th percentile
$73,890
Most important skills
- Operations Monitoring4.1
- Operation and Control4.1
- Monitoring3.6
- Critical Thinking3.6
- Quality Control Analysis3.4
- Active Listening3.1
- Complex Problem Solving3.1
- Troubleshooting3.1
- Equipment Maintenance3.0
- Speaking3.0
- Time Management3.0
- Judgment and Decision Making3.0
What skills do you need?
Select the skills you already have
Skills listed are those O*NET rates at importance 3.0 or above for this occupation. Set your own level on the same 0–7 O*NET scale.
Skill coverage
0%
0 of 13 identified skills
Matched
0
Missing
13
Your selected skills cover approximately 0% of the skills identified for this occupation in O*NET. This is a coverage measure of listed skills only — it is not a qualification, hiring or interview outcome.
Skills to develop
| Skill | Importance | Required level | Your level | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operations Monitoring | 4.1 | 3.9 | Not selected | 3.9 |
| Operation and Control | 4.1 | 3.9 | Not selected | 3.9 |
| Monitoring | 3.6 | 3.6 | Not selected | 3.6 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.6 | 3.6 | Not selected | 3.6 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.4 | 3.5 | Not selected | 3.5 |
| Active Listening | 3.1 | 3.0 | Not selected | 3.0 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.1 | 3.0 | Not selected | 3.0 |
| Equipment Maintenance | 3.0 | 3.0 | Not selected | 3.0 |
| Speaking | 3.0 | 3.0 | Not selected | 3.0 |
| Troubleshooting | 3.1 | 2.9 | Not selected | 2.9 |
| Time Management | 3.0 | 2.9 | Not selected | 2.9 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.0 | 2.9 | Not selected | 2.9 |
| Repairing | 3.0 | 2.9 | Not selected | 2.9 |
Ordered by required level gap multiplied by O*NET importance. No prediction or recommendation is implied.
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Compare with Computer Numerically Controlled Tool OperatorsHow salary varies by location
| Location | Median | Employment | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA | $109,600 | 1,960 | 2025 |
| WA | $107,920 | 2,270 | 2025 |
| Boston, MA | $64,180 | 1,890 | 2025 |
| Albany, OR | $64,170 | 290 | 2025 |
| Fargo, ND | $63,610 | 110 | 2025 |
| Morristown, TN | $62,760 | 70 | 2025 |
| Lewiston, ID | $62,000 | 50 | 2025 |
| Weirton, WV | $61,830 | 40 | 2025 |
| Huntsville, AL | $61,790 | 440 | 2025 |
| Manchester, NH | $61,650 | 300 | 2025 |
| MA | $61,630 | 2,500 | 2025 |
| Sandusky, OH | $61,360 | 300 | 2025 |
| Mobile, AL | $61,340 | 180 | 2025 |
| St. Joseph, MO | $60,960 | 40 | 2025 |
| Bridgeport, CT | $60,600 | 230 | 2025 |
| Elmira, NY | $60,260 | 140 | 2025 |
| ND | $60,250 | 250 | 2025 |
| Hartford, CT | $60,210 | 1,640 | 2025 |
| Springfield, MA | $60,200 | 400 | 2025 |
| Glens Falls, NY | $60,150 | 150 | 2025 |
Career transition paths
Compare the skills of a career you hold today with Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators to see shared skills, target-only skills and skill overlap.
Build a transition comparisonCareer and skills data: O*NET 31.0.
Salary and employment data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, 2025 (May 2025 release).
Figures are periodic published survey snapshots, not real-time market rates.