Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators

Overview

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators has a national median salary of $50,690 per year, with -9.4% projected job growth from 2025–2035. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical education needed to enter this occupation.

Description

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.

Work Values

• Support
• Independence
• Working Conditions

Work Styles

Responsibilities

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.

Work Activities

• Controlling Machines and Processes
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Getting Information
• Handling and Moving Objects
• Working with Computers
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Detailed Work Activities

• Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

T-A-S-K

Technology, Abilities, Skills & Knowledge

Education

Education Levels of Current Workers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical education needed to enter this occupation. The chart below shows the highest level of education held by people already working in this field, ages 25 and older. It includes workers who earned more education than the job requires and workers who entered the field under earlier requirements, so the largest bar is not the entry requirement. For example, if someone finished an associate's degree and then started working in this field, they are counted under “Associate's degree” here, but the job itself typically asks for a high school diploma or equivalent.

Certificates

Certifications applicable to Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators:

Video Resources