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Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators

	Median Wage (USD, 2024)	Projected Job Openings (2024-2034)	Projected Growth (2024-2034)
National Statistics	$49970	13500	-10.7%
State Statistics	-	-	-
City Statistics	-	-	-

Statistics

National

State

City

State

City

$49970

Median Wage (USD, 2024)

13500

Projected Job Openings (2024-2034)

-10.7%

Projected Growth (2024-2034)

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.

Experience Requirements Overview

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
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.
Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

Education, Training and Experience

Required Level of Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)

Related Work Experience: N.A.

On-Site or In-Plant Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year

On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year

Detailed Work Activities

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

Work Values

Achievement

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Working Conditions

Recognition

Relationships

Support

Independence

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.
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.
Monitor machine operation and control panel displays, and compare readings to specifications to detect malfunctions.
Maintain machines and remove and replace broken or worn machine tools, using hand tools.
Insert control instructions into machine control units to start operation.
Modify cutting programs to account for problems encountered during operation, and save modified programs.
Write simple programs for computer-controlled machine tools.
Lift workpieces to machines manually or with hoists or cranes.
Input initial part dimensions into machine control panels.
Set up future jobs while machines are operating.
Confer with supervisors or programmers to resolve machine malfunctions or production errors or to obtain approval to continue production.
Stack or load finished items, or place items on conveyor systems.
Control coolant systems.
Clean machines, tooling, or parts, using solvents or solutions and rags.
Enter commands or load control media, such as tapes, cards, or disks, into machine controllers to retrieve programmed instructions.
Lay out and mark areas of parts to be shot peened and fill hoppers with shot.
Examine electronic components for defects or completeness of laser-beam trimming, using microscopes.

Work Styles

Innovation

A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

Innovation

Achievement Orientation

Intellectual Curiosity

Tolerance for Ambiguity

Initiative

Adaptability

Self-Confidence

Perseverance

Leadership Orientation

Humility

Sincerity

Empathy

Cooperation

Optimism

Social Orientation

Cautiousness

Attention to Detail

Dependability

Integrity

Stress Tolerance

Self-Control

Data Source: This page includes information from the O*NET 30.0 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. This page includes Employment Projections program, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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