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Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators

Typical education: High school diplomaModerate pressure

What 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.

Kinds of work

  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.
  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.

Moderate pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $50,690 Median per year · $24.37/hr Most earn $38,140–$73,890

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • 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.
  • Remove and replace dull cutting tools.
  • Check to ensure that workpieces are properly lubricated and cooled during machine operation.
  • Maintain machines and remove and replace broken or worn machine tools, using hand tools.
  • Monitor machine operation and control panel displays, and compare readings to specifications to detect malfunctions.

Job outlook

United States
9% fewer jobs by 2035, declining · about 12,500 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Fabricated metal product manufacturing15.0%
  • Machine shops14.9%
  • Machinery manufacturing9.4%
  • Aerospace product and parts manufacturing8.0%
  • Metalworking machinery manufacturing5.9%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 1 to 2 years

Some people start through an apprenticeship: paid training on the job, often with classes. Search apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov (opens in a new tab) ↗

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: High school diplomaExperience before this job: 1 to 2 years

This is an entry-level career: you can start with a high school diploma. Most people spend about 1 to 2 years in a related machine job first, then move into CNC tool operation.

  1. High school diploma

    4 years

    Take math, shop or technical classes, and computer classes. These build the measuring, reading, and computer skills you'll use on the job.

  2. Machine Tool Operator

    6 months to 1 year

    Start as an operator of basic machines, learning to load materials, read simple drawings, measure parts, and follow safety rules. This hands-on time is what prepares you for computer-controlled machines.

  3. Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator

    Around 1 to 2 years total experience

    Run computer-controlled machines that cut, drill, or shape metal, plastic, wood, and other materials. You'll load programs, set up tools, check finished parts, and do basic maintenance.

Where it can lead

  1. CNC Tool Programmer

    2 to 4 years of experience first

    You write and edit the computer programs that tell machines how to cut parts, instead of mainly running them. Moving up usually takes more experience and often a certificate or added training in programming.

  2. Machinist

    1 to 2 years of experience first

    You work from blueprints to make parts with a range of machines, including manual ones, and often do more precise custom work. Many operators move here after learning measuring and machining skills, often through a certificate or apprenticeship.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take math and geometryMeasurement, angles, and basic algebra are used every day when setting up and checking machine work.
  • Join a shop or tech classWoodshop, metal shop, welding, or drafting classes let you practice working with tools and reading plans.
  • Learn basic computer skillsCNC machines are run on computers, so comfort with files, spreadsheets, and simple design software helps.
  • Get a starter job or volunteerSummer or weekend work at a hardware store, warehouse, or fabrication shop shows employers you can follow directions and work safely.
  • Join a robotics or engineering clubBuilding and programming robots teaches teamwork, troubleshooting, and how machines are controlled by code.

In college

  • Take machining, manufacturing, or CAD coursesCommunity college or technical programs often offer CNC, machining, and computer-aided design classes that directly match this job.
  • Earn a machining or CNC certificateA short certificate from a technical or community college shows employers you already know how to run and set up machines.
  • Get an internship or part-time shop jobHands-on time in a machine shop or manufacturing plant builds the experience that most employers look for.
  • Join a student engineering or manufacturing clubClubs and skills competitions teach precision work, teamwork, and problem-solving with real machines.
  • Practice reading blueprints and measuringBeing accurate with measuring tools and reading technical drawings is a core skill, and you can practice it in a lab or on personal projects.

Tips for getting started

  • Take math (especially geometry and measurement) and any shop, drafting, or CAD classes your school offers. These are the skills employers look for first.
  • Look for part-time or summer work at a machine shop, manufacturer, or fabrication business, even as a helper. Real shop experience counts a lot for this career.
  • Ask your shop teacher or a local machinist about apprenticeships or training programs, since many operators learn on the job and move up from there.

Related jobs that often lead here

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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