Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Salary
Production Occupations · 169K employed in the U.S.
Median annual
$50,690
Median hourly
$24
Average annual
$54,320
Typical range
$38,140–$73,890
Pay distribution
10th to 90th percentile, with the median marked.
What this role pays
The median annual salary for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators is $50,690 as of May 2025, based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. That works out to about $24 an hour at a full-time schedule.
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..
Most earn between $38,140 and $73,890 a year. There are roughly 169K people employed as computer numerically controlled tool operators in the United States. Use the state and metro pages below to see how pay changes by location, and the calculator to convert any hourly or annual figure.
Salary calculator
Convert your pay and see where it lands for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators.
- Hourly
- $24.37
- Daily
- $195
- Weekly
- $975
- Bi-weekly
- $1,950
- Monthly
- $4,224
- Annual
- $50,690
$50,690 a year is around the 50th percentile for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operatorss. The median is $50,690.
Highest-paying states
Median annual wage by state.
- 1Washington$107,920
- 2Massachusetts$61,630
- 3North Dakota$60,250
- 4Connecticut$59,840
- 5New Hampshire$59,730
- 6Maine$59,660
- 7Vermont$57,500
- 8Rhode Island$57,390
- 9Minnesota$56,780
- 10Oregon$56,670
- 11California$56,510
- 12Colorado$55,270
Top-paying metro areas
Median annual wage by metro area.
- 1Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA$109,600
- 2Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH$64,180
- 3Albany, OR$64,170
- 4Fargo, ND-MN$63,610
- 5Morristown, TN$62,760
- 6Lewiston, ID-WA$62,000
- 7Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH$61,830
- 8Huntsville, AL$61,790
- 9Manchester-Nashua, NH$61,650
- 10Sandusky, OH$61,360
- 11Mobile, AL$61,340
- 12St. Joseph, MO-KS$60,960
Related job titles
Employers advertise Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators roles under these titles.
- Aircraft Metals Technician
- Automated Cutting Machine Operator
- Automated Equipment Operator
- Automation Machine Operator
- CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator)
- CNC Tech (Computer Numerical Control Technician)
- Laser Beam Trim Operator
- Machine Set Up Operator
- Medical Numerical Control Operator
- Metal Jig Boring Machine Operator
- Metal Numerical Control Machine Operator
- Numerical Control Drill Press Operator
- Numerical Control Jig Boring Machine Operator
- Numerical Control Lathe Operator
- Numerical Control Machine Operator
- Numerical Control Machine Set Up Operator
Related occupations
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$52,800
- Machinists$58,750
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$47,180
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$50,620
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers$68,120
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$46,550
- Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$49,080
- Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners$50,060
What a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators does
- Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.
- 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.
- Transfer commands from servers to computer numerical control (CNC) modules, using computer network links.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators make?
- The median annual wage for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators is $50,690 ($24 per hour). Pay ranges from about $38,140 at the 10th percentile to $73,890 at the 90th percentile.
- What is the average salary for a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators?
- The average (mean) annual salary is $54,320, which is higher than the median because a small number of high earners pull the average up.
- Which state pays Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operatorss the most?
- Washington has the highest median annual wage for this occupation at $107,920.
- Is Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators a growing occupation?
- BLS employment data for May 2025 counts about 169K people in this occupation. Projected growth is published separately in the BLS Employment Projections program.
- What does a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators do?
- Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.; 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..