Production · Holland code RCI

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.

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).

O*NET 51-9161.00

At a glance

US median annual pay: $50,690; Middle half earn $44,930 to $61,760. BLS OEWS, May 2025.
Most common education: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED); 48% of workers surveyed by O*NET report this level.
Preparation needed: Job Zone 2 of 5; Some preparation. Zone 1 is little or none; zone 5 is graduate-level.

What the work involves

The tasks workers in this occupation rate as most important, from the O*NET survey.

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.

Skills and knowledge it leans on

Skills

Critical Thinking3.6 / 5
Monitoring3.6 / 5
Active Listening3.1 / 5
Speaking3.0 / 5
Reading Comprehension2.9 / 5
Active Learning2.9 / 5

Knowledge areas

Mathematics4.2 / 5
Production and Processing4.0 / 5
Mechanical3.8 / 5
English Language3.3 / 5
Engineering and Technology3.3 / 5
Education and Training3.1 / 5

Importance ratings on O*NET’s 1 to 5 scale. Higher means the occupation depends on it more.

Who tends to enjoy it

How strongly this occupation draws on each of the six Holland interest types, which is the same profile the career interests test compares you against.

Realistic91
Investigative31
Artistic3
Social0
Enterprising6
Conventional73

The same work abroad

Other countries classify jobs differently, so these are the closest matches through the international ISCO-08 standard, not exact equivalents.

European occupation titles (ESCO)

numerical tool and process control programmer · DE CNC-Programmierer/CNC-Programmiererin · FR programmeur en informatique industrielle/programmeuse en informatique industrielle
tool and die maker · DE Werkzeugbautechniker/Werkzeugbautechnikerin · FR ajusteur-outilleur/ajusteuse-outilleuse
metal planer operator · DE Maschinenbediener für Hobelmeißel/Maschinenbedienerin für Hobelmeißel · FR raboteur / raboteuse
screw machine operator · DE Maschinenbediener in der Schraubenherstellung/Maschinenbedienerin in der Schraubenherstellung · FR décolleteur/décolleteuse
computer numerical control machine operator · DE CNC-Anwendungsfachkraft · FR opérateur sur machine à commande numérique par ordinateur/ opératrice sur machine à commande numérique par ordinateur
lathe and turning machine operator · DE CNC-Dreher/CNC-Dreherin · FR tourneur/tourneuse

Closest UK occupation groups (SOC 2020)

Tool makers, tool fitters and markers-out (5222)8,600 employed
Metal machining setters and setter-operators (5221)40,400 employed
Metal working machine operatives (8120)28,100 employed

Employment is the UK Annual Population Survey for April 2025 to March 2026, all workers in the group, which can be broader than this one occupation.

Pay across Europe, for the whole group

Median annual earnings of all employees in “Craft and related trades workers”. This is the broad ISCO group this occupation falls in, not the occupation itself, so treat it as context for the wage level, not as a salary for this job.

Median annual earnings, Craft and related trades workers, by country
Country	Median pay
Belgium	€40,086
Germany	€38,638
Austria	€38,194
Sweden	€37,856
Netherlands	€37,077
Ireland	€36,098
France	€27,145
Italy	€26,488
Spain	€22,817
Portugal	€11,142
Poland	€10,099

Eurostat Structure of Earnings Survey, businesses with ten or more employees outside public administration, in euro and not adjusted for the cost of living. Reference years differ between sources: the US, Japan and Europe figures on this page come from different survey years, so compare them as rough levels, not to the euro or yen.

Is it a fit for you?

Interest is one input, alongside ability, pay and what is hiring near you. The career interests test takes about thirteen minutes and ranks occupations by how closely their profile matches yours.

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