Skills it runs on
The capabilities O*NET rates most important for this occupation — the human ground the work is built on.
See all skills →Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
Occupation · SOC 51-9161.00
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.
Also called: CNC Machine Operator (Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator) · CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist) · CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator) · Machine Operator · CNC Gear Operator (Computer Numerical Control Gear Operator) · CNC Lathe Operator (Computer Numerical Control Lathe Operator) · CNC Mill Operator (Computer Numerical Control Mill Operator) · CNC Set Up Operator (Computer Numerical Control Set Up Operator) · Machine Set Up Operator · Aircraft Metals Technician · Automated Cutting Machine Operator · Automated Equipment Operator
Job family: Production Occupations
Take this to your AI
A source-stamped Markdown brief of this occupation — paste it into an agent, or fetch
/roles/role-51-9161-00/context.md directly.
AI work map
A fast read on where AI already shows up in this occupation, where it stays a copilot, where humans remain in the loop, and what the labor market is doing. Built from observed Claude.ai conversations mapped to O*NET tasks and from published research — measures of usage and exposure, not advice or predictions that the job is going away.
Market signal
Independent published positions, read together — not a forecast.
- Declining employment outlook (-10.7% by 2034)
- 13,500 openings/yr
- High AI exposure
- Median pay $49,970/yr
50th-percentile task overlap — yet about 13,500 openings a year (-10.7% projected, BLS) . What exposure means →
AI & job outlook
What today's research says about this occupation's exposure to AI, how AI is actually being used in it, and where employment is headed. These are positions within published studies — measures of exposure and usage, not predictions that this job will disappear.
Exposure to current AI
Each study uses its own scale, so the raw scores are not comparable across rows — the percentile (this job's rank among all U.S. occupations with data) is the comparable figure, and sizes the bars.
| Measure | Rank vs all occupations | Percentile | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) Low | 31st | 0.3 | |
| AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) High | 69th | 0.2 |
OpenAI's exposure study scores tasks three ways: with a language model alone (α 0.2), with simple added tooling (β 0.3), and including AI-powered software (γ 0.3). Higher means more of the job's tasks could be done at least twice as fast — not that they will be automated away.
How AI is actually used in this job
Among measured AI assistant conversations mapped to this occupation (Anthropic Economic Index, 2026-01-15), these task types came up most. These are shares of observed AI conversations — not shares of the job, of worker time, or of what could be automated.
| Write simple programs for computer-controlled machine tools. | 0.3% | |
| Enter commands or load control media, such as tapes, cards, or disks, into machine controllers to retrieve programmed instructions. | 0.3% |
Job outlook
Independent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projection for 2024–2034 — a labor-market forecast, not an AI-impact forecast.
| Outlook | Declining · -10.7% by 2034 |
| Projected annual openings | 13,500 |
| Employment 2024 → 2034 | 177,100 → 158,100 |
“Annual openings” counts new jobs plus replacements for workers who leave the occupation, so it can be large even when growth is modest.
Tasks
All 27 tasks O*NET lists for this occupation, ordered by importance. Each links to its own page with AI-exposure and observed-use detail.
- Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures. Core · importance 4.8
- Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces. Core · importance 4.7
- Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments. Core · importance 4.6
- Review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences. Core · importance 4.6
- Stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences. Core · importance 4.6
- Implement changes to machine programs, and enter new specifications, using computers. Core · importance 4.5
- 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. Core · importance 4.5
- Calculate machine speed and feed ratios and the size and position of cuts. Core · importance 4.5
- Transfer commands from servers to computer numerical control (CNC) modules, using computer network links. Core · importance 4.5
- Remove and replace dull cutting tools. Core · importance 4.5
- Check to ensure that workpieces are properly lubricated and cooled during machine operation. Core · importance 4.5
- Adjust machine feed and speed, change cutting tools, or adjust machine controls when automatic programming is faulty or if machines malfunction. Core · importance 4.4
- Monitor machine operation and control panel displays, and compare readings to specifications to detect malfunctions. Core · importance 4.4
- Maintain machines and remove and replace broken or worn machine tools, using hand tools. Core · importance 4.4
- Insert control instructions into machine control units to start operation. Core · importance 4.4
- Modify cutting programs to account for problems encountered during operation, and save modified programs. Core · importance 4.3
- Write simple programs for computer-controlled machine tools. Supplemental · importance 4.2
- Lift workpieces to machines manually or with hoists or cranes. Core · importance 4.2
- Enter commands or load control media, such as tapes, cards, or disks, into machine controllers to retrieve programmed instructions. Core · importance 4.2
- Input initial part dimensions into machine control panels. Supplemental · importance 4.2
- Set up future jobs while machines are operating. Core · importance 4.1
- Confer with supervisors or programmers to resolve machine malfunctions or production errors or to obtain approval to continue production. Core · importance 4.0
- Stack or load finished items, or place items on conveyor systems. Core · importance 3.9
- Control coolant systems. Core · importance 3.9
- Clean machines, tooling, or parts, using solvents or solutions and rags. Core · importance 3.8
- Lay out and mark areas of parts to be shot peened and fill hoppers with shot. Supplemental · importance 3.5
- Examine electronic components for defects or completeness of laser-beam trimming, using microscopes. Supplemental · importance 3.0
Work activities
- Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
- Remove accessories, tools, or other parts from equipment.
- Replace worn equipment components.
- Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
- Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
- Install mechanical components in production equipment.
- Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.
- Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of production materials or products.
- Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.
- Remove products or workpieces from production equipment.
- Lift materials or workpieces using cranes or other lifting equipment.
- Program equipment to perform production tasks.
- Calculate specific material, equipment, or labor requirements for production.
- Enter commands, instructions, or specifications into equipment.
- Monitor lubrication of equipment or workpieces.
- Confer with others to resolve production problems or equipment malfunctions.
- Study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements.
- Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
- Adjust equipment controls to regulate coolant flow.
- Maintain production or processing equipment.
- Stack finished items for further processing or shipment.
- Clean production equipment.
- Test electrical equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
- Load materials into production equipment.
- Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
Knowledge, skills & abilities
O*NET importance rating, from 1 (not important) to 5 (extremely important).
Knowledge
| Mathematics | 4.2 | |
| Production and Processing | 4.0 | |
| Mechanical | 3.8 | |
| English Language | 3.3 | |
| Engineering and Technology | 3.3 | |
| Education and Training | 3.1 | |
| Design | 3.1 | |
| Administration and Management | 3.0 |
Transferable skills
Abilities
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | 3.8 | |
| Near Vision | 3.8 | |
| Problem Sensitivity | 3.6 | |
| Information Ordering | 3.6 | |
| Control Precision | 3.5 | |
| Reaction Time | 3.5 | |
| Hearing Sensitivity | 3.4 | |
| Oral Comprehension | 3.3 | |
| Perceptual Speed | 3.3 | |
| Visualization | 3.3 | |
| Manual Dexterity | 3.3 | |
| Finger Dexterity | 3.3 | |
| Auditory Attention | 3.3 | |
| Deductive Reasoning | 3.1 | |
| Category Flexibility | 3.1 | |
| Flexibility of Closure | 3.1 | |
| Selective Attention | 3.1 | |
| Multilimb Coordination | 3.1 | |
| Rate Control | 3.1 | |
| Trunk Strength | 3.1 |
Essential skills
| Critical Thinking | 3.6 | |
| Monitoring | 3.6 | |
| Active Listening | 3.1 | |
| Speaking | 3.0 |
Skills in demand
Skills employers ask for in job postings for this occupation (Lightcast), with whether each is a common or specialized skill.
Showing the top 40 of 41.
Tools & technology
Showing the top 40 of 58.
Work context
How characteristic each condition is of the job, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale (higher = more present in day-to-day work). Each condition links to how it varies across all occupations.
How to get in
- Job zone
- Zone 2 — Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Typical entry-level education
- High school diploma or equivalent · BLS, the typical path — not a requirement
- Related experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Preparation level
- SVP (Below 6.0) — total schooling plus on-the-job experience.
What to study: Precision Production . Fields of study crosswalked to this occupation (NCES CIP–SOC), not a requirement.
Education of current workers
Share of people in this occupation at each level of education.
| High School Diploma | 48.2% | |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 21.2% | |
| Some College Courses | 16.8% | |
| Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 7.1% | |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 3.5% | |
| Bachelor's Degree | 3.2% |
Interests & work styles
The interests and personal qualities O*NET associates with people who do this work.
Career interests (Holland / RIASEC)
| Realistic | 6.4 | |
| Conventional | 5.4 | |
| Investigative | 2.9 | |
| Enterprising | 1.4 |
Interest areas
Work styles
| Attention to Detail | 2.6 | |
| Dependability | 2.3 | |
| Cautiousness | 1.8 |
Wages & employment
U.S. · annual wages (BLS OEWS)
| 10th percentile | $37,160 |
| 25th percentile | $42,710 |
| Median (50th) | $49,970 |
| 75th percentile | $60,980 |
| 90th percentile | $71,160 |
| People employed | 176,950 |
Industries that employ this occupation
Where these workers are employed, by number of jobs (national, BLS OEWS). Pay shown is the occupation's national median, not industry-specific.
| Industry | Workers | National median pay |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing · Sector | 162,710 | $50,140 |
| Machine Shops · National industry | 28,890 | $50,260 |
| Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services · Sector | 4,970 | $36,430 |
| Wholesale Trade · Sector | 4,760 | $48,670 |
| Temporary Help Services · National industry | 4,540 | $36,430 |
| Construction · Sector | 1,310 | $47,840 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services · Sector | 1,120 | $58,610 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) · Sector | 790 | $51,610 |
| Engineering Services · National industry | 510 | $74,600 |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction · Sector | 310 | $108,850 |
| Retail Trade · Sector | 190 | $48,160 |
| Jewelry and Silverware Manufacturing · National industry | 110 | $61,880 |
Where this work is most concentrated
Industries where this occupation is far more common than in the economy as a whole. The location quotient is how many times more concentrated it is here (a value of 5 means five times its economy-wide share).
| Industry | Concentration | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Machine Shops · National industry | 96.91× | 28,890 |
| Manufacturing · Sector | 11.11× | 162,710 |
| Jewelry and Silverware Manufacturing · National industry | 4.81× | 110 |
| Temporary Help Services · National industry | 1.49× | 4,540 |
| Wholesale Trade · Sector | 0.69× | 4,760 |
| Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services · Sector | 0.48× | 4,970 |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction · Sector | 0.47× | 310 |
| Engineering Services · National industry | 0.38× | 510 |
Related occupations
Part of the Advanced Manufacturing career cluster.
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · 51-4035.00 Compare →
- Machinists · 51-4041.00 Compare →
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · 51-4034.00 Compare →
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · 51-4081.00 Compare →
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers · 51-9162.00 Compare →
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · 51-4033.00 Compare →
- Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · 51-4032.00 Compare →
- Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners · 51-4194.00 Compare →
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders · 51-4122.00 Compare →
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing · 51-7042.00 Compare →
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · 51-4031.00 Compare →
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics · 49-9041.00 Compare →
Side-by-side comparisons place two occupations’ pay, preparation, skills, and AI exposure on the same page — same data, same scale, no forecast.
What you can do with this
Options the data surfaces for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators — not advice or a forecast. Each is a real cross-link you can follow into the evidence.
Skills that travel
Capabilities this work builds that are used across many other occupations.
Adjacent roles
Occupations O*NET rates as related — the nearby moves on the map.
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Compare →
- Machinists Compare →
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Compare →
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Compare →
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers Compare →
Paths in
How people typically prepare for this work.
- High school diploma or equivalent · typical entry level
- Job zone 2 — Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed · preparation tier
- Precision Production · field of study
Zoom out
See where this work sits in the bigger picture.
Write a report on thisheadline · factoids · citation
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators show 50th-percentile AI task overlap — and about 13,500 annual U.S. openings
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators rank in the 50th percentile (Moderate band) for AI task overlap across U.S. occupations — a measure of how much of the work today's AI can attempt, not how much is automated.Eloundou et al. (GPTs are GPTs) + Felten AIOE
- The occupation is projected to see about 13,500 U.S. job openings per year (2024–34), counting growth and replacement — a labor-demand projection made independently of AI.BLS Employment Projections 2024–34
- BLS projects employment to be declining (-10.7%) from 2024 to 2034.BLS Employment Projections 2024–34
- Median annual pay is $49,970, across about 176,950 U.S. workers.BLS OEWS (May 2024)
Copy the whole kit
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators show 50th-percentile AI task overlap — and about 13,500 annual U.S. openings • Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators rank in the 50th percentile (Moderate band) for AI task overlap across U.S. occupations — a measure of how much of the work today's AI can attempt, not how much is automated. (Eloundou et al. (GPTs are GPTs) + Felten AIOE) • The occupation is projected to see about 13,500 U.S. job openings per year (2024–34), counting growth and replacement — a labor-demand projection made independently of AI. (BLS Employment Projections 2024–34) • BLS projects employment to be declining (-10.7%) from 2024 to 2034. (BLS Employment Projections 2024–34) • Median annual pay is $49,970, across about 176,950 U.S. workers. (BLS OEWS (May 2024)) Source: Singulariki — "Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators". https://singulariki.com/roles/role-51-9161-00 Note: AI task overlap measures what today's AI can attempt, not automation, job loss, or a forecast.
AssetsShare imageMethodology & sourcesPress & newsroomThe newsroom
Every line is built only from figures this page already shows and cites. AI task overlap means what today's AI can attempt — not automation, job loss, or a forecast.
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.
- O*NET 30.3 U.S. Department of Labor / National Center for O*NET Development
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27) Anthropic
- Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai Microsoft Research
- “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130 OpenAI / academic
Data compiled June 2, 2026. Figures are estimates, not advice.
Cite this page
Plain
Singulariki. "Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators." 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. Accessed June 7, 2026. https://singulariki.com/roles/role-51-9161-00
APA
Singulariki. (2026). Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators. Singulariki: a source-backed encyclopedia of work. Retrieved June 7, 2026, from https://singulariki.com/roles/role-51-9161-00
BibTeX
@misc{singulariki-role-51-9161-00,
title = {Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators},
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. Accessed June 7, 2026},
url = {https://singulariki.com/roles/role-51-9161-00}
} Citations name the underlying public dataset releases — they reflect what this page is built from, not just the URL.