Career Overview
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 Known As
- CNC Machine Operator (Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator)
- CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist)
- CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator)
- Machine Operator
Alternate Job Titles
- Aircraft Metals Technician
- Automated Cutting Machine Operator
- Automated Equipment Operator
- Automation Machine Operator
- CNC Gear Operator (Computer Numerical Control Gear Operator)
- CNC Laser Operator (Computer Numerical Control Laser Operator)
- CNC Lathe Operator (Computer Numerical Control Lathe Operator)
- CNC Lathe Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Lathe Operator)
- CNC Machine Operator (Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator)
- CNC Machine Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Operator)
- CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist)
- CNC Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist)
- CNC Mill Operator (Computer Numerical Control Mill Operator)
- CNC Mill Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Mill Operator)
- CNC Milling Machine Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Milling Machine Operator)
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Near Vision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Problem Sensitivity
- Information Ordering
- Reaction Time
- Control Precision
- Hearing Sensitivity
- Oral Comprehension
- Manual Dexterity
- Visualization
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Achievement Orientation
- Stress Tolerance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Relationships
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: 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.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Tools & Equipment
- 0-1 drop indicators
- 2/3 axis computer numerically controlled CNC milling machines
- 5 axis lathes
- 8 axis lathes
- Automatic measuring equipment
- Bench grinders
- Bore gauges
- Bore mills
- Borers
- Boring bars
- Buffers
- Comparators
- Computer numerical control CNC edge banders
- Computer numerical control CNC routers
- Computer numerical control CNC vertical lathes
Work Environment
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Spend Time Standing
- Time Pressure
- Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $37,160 |
| Median | $49,970 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $71,160 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 176,950
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $48,310
Machinists
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $56,150
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $48,620
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $46,060
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $65,670
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.