Computer numerically controlled tool operators salary
| Measure | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,140 | $18.34 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $50,690 | $24.37 |
| Mean (average) | $54,320 | $26.11 |
| 90th percentile | $73,890 | $35.53 |
These wages describe everyone employed in the occupation, from new entrants to experienced workers. They are not starting salaries and not earnings of graduates from any particular program. Verified data
Computer numerically controlled tool operators pay by state and metro area
Table: median wage and employment for all 48 states and territories
| State | Median | 10th pct | 90th pct | Employment | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $52,380 | $38,320 | $76,360 | 3,120 | 1.36 |
| Arizona | $48,950 | $40,400 | $65,780 | 1,800 | 0.51 |
| Arkansas | $50,280 | $35,180 | $69,250 | 2,180 | 1.54 |
| California | $56,510 | $39,670 | $76,840 | 21,680 | 1.09 |
| Colorado | $55,270 | $44,450 | $77,260 | 1,580 | 0.51 |
| Connecticut | $59,840 | $45,410 | $74,310 | 2,740 | 1.48 |
| Delaware | $50,010 | $39,450 | $66,560 | 170 | 0.32 |
| Florida | $46,170 | $36,430 | $61,860 | 4,040 | 0.37 |
| Georgia | $47,630 | $36,490 | $72,610 | 2,200 | 0.41 |
| Idaho | $53,340 | $40,340 | $77,560 | 480 | 0.51 |
| Illinois | $48,420 | $38,990 | $68,950 | 8,170 | 1.23 |
| Indiana | $48,590 | $38,550 | $71,170 | 9,690 | 2.78 |
| Iowa | $52,300 | $39,450 | $63,040 | 4,750 | 2.79 |
| Kansas | $48,400 | $39,660 | $70,240 | 2,540 | 1.62 |
| Kentucky | $49,180 | $37,900 | $64,260 | 1,740 | 0.8 |
| Louisiana | $49,800 | $35,610 | $64,570 | 670 | 0.32 |
| Maine | $59,660 | $42,880 | $62,250 | 440 | 0.63 |
| Maryland | $46,870 | $32,060 | $74,010 | 1,800 | 0.6 |
| Massachusetts | $61,630 | $42,810 | $77,920 | 2,500 | 0.63 |
| Michigan | $47,250 | $36,190 | $62,800 | 7,330 | 1.53 |
| Minnesota | $56,780 | $43,890 | $76,340 | 4,290 | 1.33 |
| Mississippi | $39,520 | $33,280 | $60,080 | 1,290 | 1.02 |
| Missouri | $51,000 | $37,790 | $68,730 | 1,500 | 0.47 |
| Montana | $51,880 | $39,040 | $68,880 | 240 | 0.44 |
| Nebraska | $49,360 | $37,950 | $63,070 | 830 | 0.75 |
| Nevada | $46,670 | $36,500 | $68,270 | 400 | 0.24 |
| New Hampshire | $59,730 | $46,750 | $80,280 | 1,770 | 2.37 |
| New Jersey | $54,100 | $35,430 | $75,230 | 1,770 | 0.38 |
| New Mexico | $44,970 | $32,560 | $61,670 | 70 | 0.07 |
| New York | $53,340 | $39,800 | $72,950 | 5,530 | 0.52 |
| North Carolina | $50,440 | $37,410 | $80,770 | 3,680 | 0.68 |
| North Dakota | $60,250 | $46,530 | $72,660 | 250 | 0.53 |
| Ohio | $49,160 | $37,170 | $70,630 | 21,250 | 3.51 |
| Oklahoma | $47,760 | $34,490 | $62,190 | 1,490 | 0.8 |
| Oregon | $56,670 | $42,850 | $76,980 | 2,920 | 1.36 |
| Pennsylvania | $54,590 | $40,410 | $74,420 | 7,840 | 1.19 |
| Rhode Island | $57,390 | $44,010 | $74,630 | 540 | 0.98 |
| South Carolina | $51,800 | $38,350 | $67,980 | 2,460 | 0.98 |
| South Dakota | $50,750 | $39,910 | $64,720 | 1,420 | 2.85 |
| Tennessee | $49,980 | $38,000 | $64,620 | 1,980 | 0.55 |
| Texas | $48,480 | $34,940 | $69,760 | 13,190 | 0.86 |
| Utah | $45,140 | $36,300 | $61,180 | 1,170 | 0.62 |
| Vermont | $57,500 | $44,480 | $81,820 | 1,190 | 3.6 |
| Virginia | $49,590 | $36,620 | $69,720 | 1,890 | 0.42 |
| Washington | $107,920 | $54,590 | $116,670 | 2,270 | 0.59 |
| West Virginia | $49,630 | $34,450 | $64,550 | 160 | 0.2 |
| Wisconsin | $52,690 | $40,800 | $72,290 | 8,330 | 2.6 |
| Wyoming | $54,170 | $40,800 | $75,560 | 60 | 0.2 |
A location quotient above 1 means the occupation is more concentrated in that state than in the nation overall.
Metro areas with the most jobs
Highest paying metro areas
Job outlook for computer numerically controlled tool operators
- Average annual openings, 2025 to 2035: 12,500. Openings include new jobs plus replacement needs when workers retire or leave the occupation. Official projection
- Share of workers who are self-employed (2025): 0.5%.
- Read the official BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile.
These are official BLS projections. ConnectPrep does not alter them or present its own forecasts as official statistics.
Education and training for computer numerically controlled tool operators
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Related work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- O*NET Job Zone
- Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
Highest education of people working in this occupation
O*NET describes this preparation level as: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Degrees and programs that lead to this career
Programs officially mapped to this occupation in the NCES and BLS CIP to SOC crosswalk. A mapping means the program commonly prepares students for the occupation, not that every graduate works in it. Official crosswalk
- Machine Shop Technology/Assistant CIP 48.0503
- Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist CIP 48.0510
Skills, knowledge, and daily work
Most important skills
Most important knowledge areas
Typical 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.
Technology skills
- G-code (in demand)
- Autodesk AutoCAD (hot technology)
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks (hot technology)
- Microsoft Excel (hot technology)
- Microsoft Office software (hot technology)
- Microsoft Outlook (hot technology)
- Microsoft PowerPoint (hot technology)
- Microsoft Project (hot technology)
- Microsoft Word (hot technology)
- SAP software (hot technology)
- 1CadCam Unigraphics
- BobCAD-CAM
- CGTech Vericut CNC
- CNC Consulting Machinists' Calculator
- CNC Mastercam
- Cadem CAPSMill
Transferable skills for career changers: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Quality Control Analysis, Complex Problem Solving, Troubleshooting, Equipment Maintenance.
Common job titles: 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.
Is it worth it? Model the cost of getting there
Use the ROI calculator to compare the cost of the education this career usually requires against staying on your current path. It starts from the official wage distribution above, and you can change every assumption.
Frequently asked questions
How much do computer numerically controlled tool operators make?
The national median annual wage for computer numerically controlled tool operators was $50,690 in May 2025, according to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program. The lowest paid 10 percent earned less than $38,140 and the highest paid 10 percent earned more than $73,890. These figures cover all workers in the occupation, not only new entrants.
What education do computer numerically controlled tool operators need?
BLS lists high school diploma or equivalent as the typical education needed to enter this occupation, with none of related work experience and moderate-term on-the-job training on-the-job training typically needed to become competent.
Is computer numerically controlled tool operators a growing career?
BLS projects employment of computer numerically controlled tool operators to change -9.4% from 2025 to 2035, compared with +3.5% for all occupations. About 12,500 openings are projected each year on average, including openings from workers who retire or change occupations.
Which states pay computer numerically controlled tool operators the most?
By median annual wage in May 2025, the highest paying states were Washington ($107,920), Massachusetts ($61,630), North Dakota ($60,250). Pay differences partly reflect differences in living costs.