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.

Also called: 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

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

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.

Skills, machines and equipment

Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Quality Control Analysis
Active Listening
Complex Problem Solving
Troubleshooting
Speaking
Equipment Maintenance
Repairing
Judgment and Decision Making

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) (48.24% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

O*NET Job Zone 2: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training. Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

44,930–61,760 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 51-9161.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Explore setup, CNC programming, precision tooling, or process-improvement responsibilities after demonstrating safe, accurate machining.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) (48.24% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
O*NET Job Zone 2: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training. Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators