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Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators vs Industrial Machinery Mechanics

Side-by-side · O*NET · BLS · AI-exposure research · Anthropic Economic Index

A factual, source-backed comparison of Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators and Industrial Machinery Mechanics on the dimensions both occupations carry. Every figure is a position within an independent published dataset — not a verdict on which job is better, safer, or more “future-proof.”

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Median pay · BLS OEWS
$49,970
$63,760
Employment · BLS OEWS
176,950
421,940
AI exposure (percentile) · task overlap, not automation
69th pct
31st pct

At a glance

Dimension Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Median pay $49,970 $63,760
Employment 176,950 421,940
Employment outlook (2024–34) · BLS projection Declining (-10.7%) Growing fast (+16.1%)
Annual openings · BLS projection 13,500 45,700
Typical education · O*NET Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
AI exposure · published exposure studies High · 69th pct Low · 31st pct
Global GenAI gradient · ILO ISCO-08 · via crosswalk — 24th pct · 17% of tasks
Observed AI use · Anthropic Economic Index — Automation-leaning (73.7%)
Mostly remote-capable · Dingel–Neiman — No

Pay and employment are BLS OEWS estimates; outlook and openings are BLS 2024–2034 projections; AI exposure and observed-use figures come from separate research and reflect exposure and usage, not predictions that either job will disappear. Compare like with like.

Skills

Shared: Mathematics, Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Production and Processing, Mechanical, Arm-Hand Steadiness, Near Vision, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Problem Sensitivity, Information Ordering, Control Precision, Reaction Time, Quality Control Analysis, Hearing Sensitivity, English Language, Engineering and Technology, Visualization, Manual Dexterity, Finger Dexterity, Auditory Attention, Active Listening, Complex Problem Solving, Troubleshooting, Deductive Reasoning, Selective Attention, Multilimb Coordination, Trunk Strength, Design, Speaking, Equipment Maintenance, Repairing, Judgment and Decision Making.

Specific to Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators

  • Oral Comprehension
  • Perceptual Speed
  • Category Flexibility
  • Flexibility of Closure
  • Rate Control
  • Education and Training
  • Administration and Management

Specific to Industrial Machinery Mechanics

  • Active Learning
  • Equipment Selection
  • Written Comprehension
  • Static Strength
  • Extent Flexibility
  • Coordination
  • Time Management

Knowledge, skills & abilities O*NET rates as important for each occupation. “Shared” are common to both; the columns list what is distinctive to each (top by the order O*NET surfaces).

Tools & technology

Shared: Spreadsheet software , Office suite software , Electronic mail software , Presentation software , Word processing software , Enterprise resource planning ERP software , Computer aided manufacturing CAM software , Industrial control software .

Specific to Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators

Specific to Industrial Machinery Mechanics

Full profiles

This page is a summary. See the complete source-backed profile for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators or Industrial Machinery Mechanics — tasks, the full skill graph, tools, work context, preparation, wages by percentile, industries, AI exposure and the AI work map.

More comparisons

Related occupations you can place side by side on the same sourced scale.

Sources for this page

Every figure above traces to a named public dataset and the exact release below — not hand-written opinion. See the full methodology for what each measure does and does not mean.

Data compiled June 2, 2026. Figures are estimates, not advice.

Cite this page
Plain

Singulariki. "Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators vs Industrial Machinery Mechanics." Singulariki: a source-backed encyclopedia of work. Built from O*NET 30.3; BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024; BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034; Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27); Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai; “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130; AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE) Felten, Raj & Seamans; ILO / Gmyrek et al. GenAI exposure gradient 2025; IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 occupation crosswalk 2022; Frey & Osborne (2013) frey-osborne-automation; Dingel & Neiman (2020) dingel-neiman-workathome. Accessed June 7, 2026. https://singulariki.com/compare/computer-numerically-controlled-tool-operators-vs-industrial-machinery-mechanics

APA

Singulariki. (2026). Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators vs Industrial Machinery Mechanics. Singulariki: a source-backed encyclopedia of work. Retrieved June 7, 2026, from https://singulariki.com/compare/computer-numerically-controlled-tool-operators-vs-industrial-machinery-mechanics

BibTeX 
@misc{singulariki-computer-numerically-controlled-tool-operators-vs-industrial-machinery-mechanics,
  title  = {Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators vs Industrial Machinery Mechanics},
  author = {{Singulariki}},
  year   = {2026},
  note   = {O*NET 30.3; BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024; BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034; Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27); Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai; “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130; AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE) Felten, Raj & Seamans; ILO / Gmyrek et al. GenAI exposure gradient 2025; IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 occupation crosswalk 2022; Frey & Osborne (2013) frey-osborne-automation; Dingel & Neiman (2020) dingel-neiman-workathome. Accessed June 7, 2026},
  url    = {https://singulariki.com/compare/computer-numerically-controlled-tool-operators-vs-industrial-machinery-mechanics}
}

Citations name the underlying public dataset releases — they reflect what this page is built from, not just the URL.