What do they do?

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.

Also known as:

Automated Equipment Operator, CNC Gear Operator (Computer Numerical Control Gear Operator), CNC Lathe Operator (Computer Numerical Control Lathe Operator), CNC Machine Operator (Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator), CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist), CNC Mill Operator (Computer Numerical Control Mill Operator), CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator), CNC Set Up Operator (Computer Numerical Control Set Up Operator), CNC Tech (Computer Numerical Control Technician), Machine Operator, Machine Set Up Operator, Operator, Set Up Operator

Typical Wages

Projected Growth Rate

Employment of Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators is projected to Decline 8 percent from 2022 to 2032

Projected Employment For All United States

No Data Available
  • -8%

    Change

    Select a state to see its job growth rate ranking
    14,300

    Job Openings

    Select a state to see its net job growth ranking

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Education Level

Percent of workers in this field with these degrees:

  • High school diploma equivalent  (39%)
  • Some college, no degree  (29%)
  • Associate's degree  (14%)
  • Less than high school diploma  (9%)
  • Bachelor's degree  (7%)
  • Master's degree  (1%)
  • Doctorate or Professional Degree  (<1%)

Typical College Majors

Most Popular Majors that prepare Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators

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★ There are no majors that have graduates with this degree type

People in this career often have these skills:

  • Operations Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

People in this career often know a lot about:

  • Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  • Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
  • Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

People in this career often have talent in:

  • Arm-Hand Steadiness - The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
  • Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
  • Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
  • Control Precision - The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
  • Reaction Time - The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
  • Hearing Sensitivity - The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

People in this career often do these activities:

  • Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
  • Program equipment to perform production tasks.
  • Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
  • Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
  • Install mechanical components in production equipment.
  • Study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements.
  • Remove products or workpieces from production equipment.
  • Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.
  • Enter commands, instructions, or specifications into equipment.
  • Calculate specific material, equipment, or labor requirements for production.
  • Remove accessories, tools, or other parts from equipment.
  • Replace worn equipment components.
  • Monitor lubrication of equipment or workpieces.
  • Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of production materials or products.
  • Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.
  • Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
  • Maintain production or processing equipment.
  • Lift materials or workpieces using cranes or other lifting equipment.
  • Confer with others to resolve production problems or equipment malfunctions.
  • Stack finished items for further processing or shipment.
  • Adjust equipment controls to regulate coolant flow.
  • Clean production equipment.
  • Load materials into production equipment.
  • Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
  • Test electrical equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.

This page includes data from:

O*NET OnLine Career data: O*NET 28.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (“USDOL/ETA”). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Logo Occupation statistics: USDOL U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics

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