Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators

High Risk
Low High

Explore safer careers (3)

Lower estimated automation risk

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Why it fits

Transfers shop process knowledge to production improvement with added technical training.

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Why it fits

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Why it fits

Builds on machining, fixtures, tolerances, and blueprint reading with advanced trade training.

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Occupation snapshot

What does this snowflake show?
The Snowflake is a visual summary of the five badges: Automation Risk (calculated), Risk (polled), Growth, Wages and Volume. It gives you an instant snapshot of an occupations profile. The colour of the Snowflake relates to its size. The better the occupation scores in relation to others, the larger and greener the Snowflake becomes.
JOB SCORE
2.7/10
What's this?
Job Score (higher is better):

We rate jobs using four factors. These are:

- Chance of being automated
- Job growth
- Wages
- Volume of available positions

These are some key things to think about when job hunting.

Risk & user votes

Calculated automation risk

63% (High Risk)

High Risk (61-80%): This occupation shows a significant risk of end-to-end replacement by automation. Many core parts of the role may be structured, repeatable, software-driven, or physically predictable enough for AI, machines, or robotic systems to take over. If you work in this area, it may be worth exploring safer related careers or moving towards more human-centred responsibilities.

More information on what this score is, and how it is calculated is available here.

Human strengths important in this job

These are human abilities and work contexts that are important in this occupation. They may help explain why parts of the role are harder to replace end-to-end, but they are not the only inputs into the automation score.

Critical thinking

Quite important
Why this matters
Weigh options using logic and evidence, spot weaknesses in arguments, and choose the best approach when there isn’t a single clear answer.
Jobs that also use this strength

Education and training expertise

Quite important
Why this matters
Designing and delivering instruction—adapting lessons to different learners and measuring whether training actually works.
Jobs that also use this strength

What users think

Based on 26 votes

50% chance of full automation within the next two decades

Our visitors have voted they are unsure if this occupation will be automated. However, the automation risk level we have generated suggests a much higher chance of automation: 63% chance of automation.

What do you think the risk of automation is?

What is the likelihood that Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators will be replaced by robots or artificial intelligence within the next 20 years?

View sentiment trend

Pay & outlook

Wages

Low paid relative to other professions

In 2024, the median annual wage for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators was $49,970 ($24 per hour).

The median annual wage for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators was 0.9% higher than the national median annual wage, which stood at $49,500.

View wage trend

Wages over time

* Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Growth

Very slow growth relative to other professions.

The number of 'Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators' job openings is expected to decline 10.7% by 2034

View employment trend

Total employment, and estimated job openings

* Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the period between 2023 and 2033
Updated projections are due 09-2025.

Volume

Greater range of job opportunities compared to other professions

As of 2024 there were 176,950 people employed as 'Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators' within the United States.

This represents around 0.11% of the employed workforce across the country

Put another way, around 1 in 871 people are employed as 'Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators'.

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What people are saying (1)

Simone Fin (Highly likely)
20 Sep 2023 14:05
Why artificial intelligences are growing exponentially and learning faster than us humans. Then there's an increasing demand to hire new workers. As a result, there is a shortage of workers. Therefore, automation, robots, and humanoids are needed.
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Job description

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.

O*NET-SOC code: 51-9161.00