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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.
Other titles employers use
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
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical and organizing work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Quality Control Analysis
- Active Listening
Subjects to know
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
Useful strengths
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Near Vision
- Problem Sensitivity
- Information Ordering
- Control Precision
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 3.0 | Largely your own space |
| On your feet | 4.6 | Standing or moving for most of it |
| Talking face to face | 4.2 | A regular part of the day |
| Working with your hands | 4.2 | Handling tools, instruments or materials |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a high school diploma. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- High school or less 52%
- A certificate or some college 38%
- A two-year degree 7%
- A four-year degree 3%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
- Electronic mail software
- Presentation software
- Project management software
- Word processing software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 16,600
- Job openings each year
- 1,430
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- −6.2%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 16,600 | 1,430 | −6.2% |
| Wisconsin | 15,940 | 1,430 | −1.4% |
| Ohio | 13,080 | 1,100 | −10.0% |
| Texas | 12,470 | 1,120 | −1.3% |
| Pennsylvania | 10,960 | 950 | −6.9% |
| Michigan | 10,020 | 840 | −10.1% |
| Illinois | 9,370 | 820 | −5.3% |
| Indiana | 7,030 | 620 | −5.0% |
| Minnesota | 4,090 | 360 | −2.9% |
| New York | 4,080 | 0 | −14.1% |
| Florida | 4,060 | 370 | — |
| North Carolina | 3,900 | 350 | — |
| Connecticut | 3,860 | 340 | −2.3% |
| Missouri | 3,150 | 280 | −4.8% |
| Iowa | 3,050 | 270 | −3.2% |
| South Carolina | 2,980 | 270 | 2.4% |
| Oklahoma | 2,940 | 250 | −6.7% |
| New Hampshire | 2,710 | 240 | −3.2% |
| Alabama | 2,660 | 240 | −1.8% |
| Oregon | 2,420 | 220 | 3.0% |
| Arizona | 2,410 | 230 | 4.8% |
| Kansas | 2,250 | 200 | −4.7% |
| Tennessee | 2,160 | 200 | 1.4% |
| Washington | 2,160 | 210 | 3.3% |
| Virginia | 2,120 | 180 | −9.4% |
| New Jersey | 1,950 | 170 | −1.5% |
| Maryland | 1,900 | 160 | −9.5% |
| Georgia | 1,890 | 180 | 8.0% |
| Utah | 1,810 | 180 | 17.5% |
| Arkansas | 1,570 | 140 | −6.0% |
| Kentucky | 1,550 | 140 | −2.5% |
| Mississippi | 1,360 | 130 | 9.7% |
| Vermont | 1,310 | 120 | −5.8% |
| Colorado | 1,210 | 110 | −3.2% |
| Massachusetts | 1,150 | 100 | −10.9% |
| Maine | 1,090 | 90 | −11.4% |
| South Dakota | 1,000 | 90 | −1.0% |
| Idaho | 790 | 80 | 11.3% |
| Nebraska | 730 | 70 | −3.9% |
| Rhode Island | 420 | 40 | −4.5% |
| West Virginia | 340 | 30 | 9.7% |
| Montana | 310 | 30 | 3.3% |
| Nevada | 270 | 20 | −3.6% |
| North Dakota | 220 | 20 | 10.0% |
| Louisiana | 190 | 20 | −5.0% |
| Puerto Rico | 120 | 10 | — |
| Delaware | 90 | 10 | −10.0% |
| Wyoming | 80 | 10 | — |
| New Mexico | 60 | 10 | — |
Career to college
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