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Jobs / Production and manufacturing / 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. May also set up and maintain equipment.

US jobs
169,450
Median wage
$50,690 a year
Job family
Production and manufacturing

Can agents do the work of computer numerically controlled tool operators?

We read the evidence for the whole job family, Production and manufacturing: Unmeasured (no change in 12 months)

No direct benchmark gives a success rate.

0% of this occupation's work, by O*NET work activities, is measured by a direct benchmark.

  • 32%Program computer systems or production equipmentNot measured
  • 13%Monitor equipment operationNot measured
  • 6%Repair tools or equipmentNot measured
  • 5%Adjust equipment to ensure adequate performanceNot measured
  • 5%Measure physical characteristics of materials, products, or equipmentNot measured
  • 5%Remove workpieces from production equipmentNot measured
  • 4%Read documents or materials to inform work processesNot measured
  • 4%Determine resource needs of projects or operationsNot measured

Benchmarks for the job family

These cover work in production and manufacturing, not always this occupation's tasks.

Also relevant

These benchmarks cover part of this family's work, or have no result yet. They do not set its step.

Typical tasks

From O*NET 31.0. Core tasks first. Few of these tasks have a benchmark today.

  • 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.
  • Transfer commands from servers to computer numerical control (CNC) modules, using computer network links.
  • Remove and replace dull cutting tools.
  • Check to ensure that workpieces are properly lubricated and cooled during machine operation.
  • Adjust machine feed and speed, change cutting tools, or adjust machine controls when automatic programming is faulty or if machines malfunction.
Other job titles for this occupation (51)

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) · Machine Operator · Machine Set Up Operator · Aircraft Metals Technician · Automated Cutting Machine Operator · Automated Equipment Operator · Automation Machine Operator · CNC Laser Operator (Computer Numerical Control Laser Operator) · CNC Lathe Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Lathe Operator) · CNC Machine Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Operator) · CNC Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist) · CNC Mill Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Mill Operator) · CNC Milling Machine Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Milling Machine Operator) · CNC Operator (Computer Numeric Control Operator) · CNC Router Operator (Computer Numerical Control Router Operator) · CNC Shot Peening Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Shot Peening Operator) · CNC Tech (Computer Numerical Control Technician) · CNC Tech (Computer Numerically Controlled Technician) · Laser Beam Trim Operator · Laser Operator · Medical Numerical Control Operator · Metal Computer Numerically Controlled Operator (Metal CNC Operator) · Metal Jig Boring Machine Operator · Metal Numerical Control Machine Operator · Numerical Control Drill Press Operator · Numerical Control Jig Boring Machine Operator · Numerical Control Lathe Operator · Numerical Control Machine Operator · Numerical Control Machine Set Up Operator · Numerical Control Machine Tool Operator · Numerical Control Machinist Operator · Numerical Control Milling Machine Operator · Numerical Control Milling Machine Set Up Operator · Numerical Control Router Operator · Numerical Control Router Set Up Operator · Operator · Plastic CNC Machine Operator (Plastic Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Operator) · Plastic Numerical Control Machine Operator · PLC Tech (Programmable Logic Control Technician) · Printed Circuit Boards Numerical Control Drill Operator (PCB Numerical Control Drill Operator) · Robotic Machine Operator · Set Up Operator · Shot Peening Operator · Stencil Cutter · Welding Robot Operator