Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
Also called: CNC Machine Operator (Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator), CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist), CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator), Machine OperatorOperate 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.
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What the data says: AI could halve the time on 10 of its 27 tasks, and jobs are projected to shrink 9.4% by 2035. How to think about this →
About this projection
BLS builds AI into its projections where the research supports it: “BLS generally applies adjustments based on this research conservatively, where there is convincing evidence for a change.”
It also notes a limit: “BLS projection methods are not designed to capture extremely rapid technological change.”
On its AI exposure groups, BLS says exposure “does not imply job loss.”
Recent conditions
- In 2024, 5.3% of people in this work were unemployed, against 3.8% across all occupations Census ACS 2024, all workers in the Census group “Other production workers”
- From Sep 2025 to Aug 2026, 5.4 hires for every 10 job openings in durable goods manufacturing, which employs about 87% of people in this work, against 7.3 across all industries BLS JOLTS
One box per opening, filled for each hire; hires beyond the openings are added in a lighter shade. Higher can mean openings get filled, or that people leave often; lower, that jobs go unfilled, or hiring is slow.5.4 this industry7.3 all industries
Median pay by state BLS OEWS May 2025, state estimates
Tap a state for its figures.
Median pay in every state
| State | Median | Middle half earn | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $52,380 | $45,710 to $61,560 | 3,120 |
| Arizona | $48,950 | $45,030 to $62,350 | 1,800 |
| Arkansas | $50,280 | $42,280 to $56,520 | 2,180 |
| California | $56,510 | $47,140 to $63,850 | 21,680 |
| Colorado | $55,270 | $47,610 to $64,030 | 1,580 |
| Connecticut | $59,840 | $49,180 to $66,000 | 2,740 |
| Delaware | $50,010 | $45,100 to $63,280 | 170 |
| Florida | $46,170 | $39,420 to $53,480 | 4,040 |
| Georgia | $47,630 | $40,700 to $59,080 | 2,200 |
| Idaho | $53,340 | $46,460 to $62,880 | 480 |
| Illinois | $48,420 | $42,050 to $59,750 | 8,170 |
| Indiana | $48,590 | $43,570 to $59,100 | 9,690 |
| Iowa | $52,300 | $47,330 to $61,300 | 4,750 |
| Kansas | $48,400 | $44,040 to $58,320 | 2,540 |
| Kentucky | $49,180 | $42,800 to $59,500 | 1,740 |
| Louisiana | $49,800 | $43,680 to $60,010 | 670 |
| Maine | $59,660 | $50,840 to $61,250 | 440 |
| Maryland | $46,870 | $36,290 to $57,820 | 1,800 |
| Massachusetts | $61,630 | $48,560 to $73,330 | 2,500 |
| Michigan | $47,250 | $39,710 to $58,000 | 7,330 |
| Minnesota | $56,780 | $47,390 to $62,610 | 4,290 |
| Mississippi | $39,520 | $37,190 to $51,140 | 1,290 |
| Missouri | $51,000 | $44,590 to $59,710 | 1,500 |
| Montana | $51,880 | $47,010 to $60,060 | 240 |
| Nebraska | $49,360 | $44,080 to $59,150 | 830 |
| Nevada | $46,670 | $38,730 to $57,190 | 400 |
| New Hampshire | $59,730 | $49,740 to $67,090 | 1,770 |
| New Jersey | $54,100 | $41,970 to $63,400 | 1,770 |
| New Mexico | $44,970 | $33,790 to $55,630 | 70 |
| New York | $53,340 | $47,100 to $61,800 | 5,530 |
| North Carolina | $50,440 | $44,130 to $64,080 | 3,680 |
| North Dakota | $60,250 | $47,790 to $63,610 | 250 |
| Ohio | $49,160 | $41,920 to $61,910 | 21,250 |
| Oklahoma | $47,760 | $39,220 to $58,630 | 1,490 |
| Oregon | $56,670 | $47,320 to $64,420 | 2,920 |
| Pennsylvania | $54,590 | $47,030 to $63,180 | 7,840 |
| Rhode Island | $57,390 | $46,250 to $62,170 | 540 |
| South Carolina | $51,800 | $45,520 to $60,830 | 2,460 |
| South Dakota | $50,750 | $46,220 to $60,080 | 1,420 |
| Tennessee | $49,980 | $45,410 to $59,770 | 1,980 |
| Texas | $48,480 | $39,380 to $59,760 | 13,190 |
| Utah | $45,140 | $39,050 to $51,120 | 1,170 |
| Vermont | $57,500 | $48,650 to $66,290 | 1,190 |
| Virginia | $49,590 | $44,660 to $58,850 | 1,890 |
| Washington | $107,920 | $73,920 to $116,670 | 2,270 |
| West Virginia | $49,630 | $42,390 to $56,000 | 160 |
| Wisconsin | $52,690 | $47,170 to $61,990 | 8,330 |
| Wyoming | $54,170 | $45,760 to $60,890 | 60 |
Nationally: $50,690. Shades run from the lowest state median to the highest; a territory below that range takes the lightest. How to read this
How AI touches the work
What AI could speed up, task by task, and where people already use it.
AI could halve the time on 10 of its 27 tasks
| AI rating | Its main tasks | Share of Claude conversations May 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| AI + software | Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces. | Not published |
| Not much | Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures. | Not published |
| Not much | Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments. | Not published |
| Not much | Stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences. | Not published |
| Not much | 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. | Not published |
| Not much | Remove and replace dull cutting tools. | Not published |
See all 27 tasks
| AI + software | Review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences. | Not published |
| Not much | Maintain machines and remove and replace broken or worn machine tools, using hand tools. | Not published |
| Not much | Check to ensure that workpieces are properly lubricated and cooled during machine operation. | Not published |
| Not much | Calculate machine speed and feed ratios and the size and position of cuts. | Not published |
| Not much | Lift workpieces to machines manually or with hoists or cranes. | Not published |
| Not much | Monitor machine operation and control panel displays, and compare readings to specifications to detect malfunctions. | Not published |
| Not much | Adjust machine feed and speed, change cutting tools, or adjust machine controls when automatic programming is faulty or if machines malfunction. | Not published |
| AI + software | Implement changes to machine programs, and enter new specifications, using computers. | under 0.01% |
| Not much | Confer with supervisors or programmers to resolve machine malfunctions or production errors or to obtain approval to continue production. | Not published |
| AI + software | Transfer commands from servers to computer numerical control (CNC) modules, using computer network links. | Not published |
| Not much | Clean machines, tooling, or parts, using solvents or solutions and rags. | Not published |
| AI + software | Modify cutting programs to account for problems encountered during operation, and save modified programs. | Not published |
| AI + software | Insert control instructions into machine control units to start operation. | Not published |
| Not much | Control coolant systems. | Not published |
| AI + software | Set up future jobs while machines are operating. | Not published |
| AI + software | Input initial part dimensions into machine control panels. | Not published |
| AI + software | Write simple programs for computer-controlled machine tools. | Not published |
| Not much | Stack or load finished items, or place items on conveyor systems. | Not published |
| AI + software | Enter commands or load control media, such as tapes, cards, or disks, into machine controllers to retrieve programmed instructions. | Not published |
| Not much | Lay out and mark areas of parts to be shot peened and fill hoppers with shot. | Not published |
| Not much | Examine electronic components for defects or completeness of laser-beam trimming, using microscopes. | Not published |
Ordered by how important O*NET's respondents rate each task (1 to 5) times the share who say it is part of their job. The ordering is ours. 1 of the 27 have a published share of Claude conversations; “not published” means too few conversations for Anthropic to publish a figure.
Where people already use AI
The tasks above say what AI could speed up. This shows what people are using it for. Its 27 tasks fall under 18 work activities that many occupations share, and Microsoft counted how often each one came up in 200,000 conversations with its Copilot assistant in 2024.
- #8 Read documents or materials to inform work processes
- #31 Program computer systems or production equipment
| Work activity | This occupation's tasks under it | People asked AI for help in 10,000 conversations |
AI did it for them in 10,000 conversations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program computer systems or production equipment | |||
| Repair tools or equipment | |||
| Monitor equipment operation | |||
| Adjust equipment to ensure adequate performance | |||
| Disassemble equipment | |||
| Load products, materials, or equipment for transportation or further processing | |||
| Read documents or materials to inform work processes | |||
| Set up equipment |
Show all 18 activities
| Coordinate with others to resolve problems | |||
| Test performance of equipment or systems | |||
| Determine resource needs of projects or operations | |||
| Measure physical characteristics of materials, products, or equipment | |||
| Maintain tools or equipment | |||
| Clean tools, equipment, facilities, or work areas | |||
| Position materials or components for assembly | |||
| Position workpieces or materials on equipment | |||
| Operate lifting or moving equipment | |||
| Remove workpieces from production equipment |
How people in this work use Claude
What people in this work made with Claude % of conversations
- Configuration or infrastructure51%
- A script or snippet9%
- A document or report7%
- An explanation or answer7%
- A plan or strategy7%
How they worked with Claude
69% of these conversations were about work. Anthropic Economic Index, May 2026.
How to read this
Work activities come from O*NET, which links every task to the broader activities it involves. Microsoft's figures are for the activity across everyone who used Copilot, not for computer numerically controlled tool operators specifically. Copilot is a general chat assistant; dedicated coding tools are not included, so programming help is under-counted here. Activities are listed by how many of this occupation's tasks fall under them.
The task ratings say whether AI could halve the time a task takes: on its own (“AI alone”), or with software built on it (“AI + software”). They were made by people in 2023 (Eloundou et al.). Claude's share is the task's share of all Claude.ai conversations in May 2026; Anthropic doesn't publish a task with too few conversations. None of these add up to the BLS exposure group, which combines five research measures.
More in the Guide: task ratings · task order · work activities · Copilot figures · Claude
High exposure doesn't mean fewer jobs
BLS projects most occupations in its two most exposed groups to grow: 141 of 206 rated Very high and 165 of 206 rated High. Each dot is one of the 831 occupations BLS rates.
Career moves into and out of this occupation
From moves between occupations found in online resumes, 2002–2016. Career changes only: a first job after school isn't a move.
Where people moved next
of 259,951 moves out
- 1 Managers, All Other (2010 group) an older group BLS has since split; no exposure group today 5%
- 2 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Moderate +3.8% 5%
- 3 Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand Low +1.8% 4%
- 4 Customer Service Representatives Very high -5.3% 2%
- 5 Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators Low +1.5% 2%
Where people moved in from
of 226,356 moves in
- 1 Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand Low +1.8% 6%
- 2 Customer Service Representatives Very high -5.3% 4%
- 3 Cashiers High -6.5% 3%
- 4 Managers, All Other (2010 group) an older group BLS has since split; no exposure group today 3%
- 5 Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators Low +1.5% 3%
The resume data uses 2010 occupation codes. This occupation comes from “Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic” and “Production Workers, All Other”, which today also include “Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers” and the occupation still called “Production Workers, All Other”, so these figures cover those too. Resumes over-represent younger, white-collar job-seekers and moves into management. Schubert, Stansbury and Taska (resume data).
Education and training for the occupation
O*NET survey of workers in this occupation
- 4% less than high school
- 48% high school
- 21% postsecondary certificate
- 17% some college
- 7% associate's
- 3% bachelor's
O*NET 31.0 survey of workers in this occupation · 38 people answered.
Census survey (American Community Survey)
- 17% less than high school
- 47% high school
- 19% some college
- 7% associate's
- 7% bachelor's
- 2% master's
Census ACS 2024, all workers in the Census group “Other production workers” · 14,074 people surveyed.
Why the two can differ
O*NET asks about 20 people in each occupation, which makes its shares uncertain, but it reports the exact occupation and counts certificates. The Census survey reaches thousands, but it groups some occupations together and counts degrees only. More in the Guide
Median pay by highest degree full-time, year-round · Census ACS 2024, all workers in the Census group “Other production workers”
2 programs: Machine Shop Technology/Assistant and Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist.
Jobs that require a credential BLS Occupational Requirements Survey 2023
9.4% this occupation
45.3% all occupations
| By kind | This occupation | All occupations |
|---|---|---|
| a license | <0.5% | 19.1% |
| a certification | 0.7% | 5.8% |
| an educational certificate | 2.5% | 2.8% |
Share of jobs whose employer requires it. BLS doesn't say which credential. How to read this
Look up certifications, training and licenses U.S. Department of Labor
- Certification Finder ↗ certifications CareerOneStop lists for this occupation
- Training Finder ↗ schools and programs, nationwide; narrow the place there
- License Finder ↗ licenses by state
- Apprenticeship Finder ↗ DOL lists 3 registered apprenticeships in this occupation (Aircraft Metals Tech (Machinist/CNC/Welder); Numerical Control Machnist Oper; STENCIL CUTTER). Apprenticeship.gov can't be linked to one occupation, so search for “Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators” there.
These open in a new tab and send only the occupation's public code. More in the Guide
BLS AI exposure categories (Aug 2026) · BLS Employment Projections 2025–35 · O*NET 31.0 · Task ratings: Eloundou et al., Science (2024) · Microsoft "Working with AI" v1.1 · Anthropic Economic Index (2026-06-26) · Schubert, Stansbury and Taska · NCES CIP–SOC · Census ACS 2024 · BLS JOLTS
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