Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators earn a median of $50,690 per year ($24.37/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to fall 9.4% through 2035, with about 12,500 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- Commonly called: CNC Machinist
- SOC 51-9161
- Production
- Last updated October 15, 2026
At a glance
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator in four numbers
- Median pay
- $50,690a year, or $24.37/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $38KTop 10% $74K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- -9.4%DecliningBLS EP, 2025–2035This career−9.4%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career −9.4% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 12,500170,000 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 2025170K
- Projected 2035154.1K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 170K Projected 2035 154.1K - Typical education
- High schoolneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Less than high school3.5%
- High school48.2%
- Certificate21.2%
- Some college16.8%
- Associate's7.1%
- Bachelor's3.2%
Highest education held by computer numerically controlled tool operators Segment Value Less than high school 3.5% High school 48.2% Certificate 21.2% Some college 16.8% Associate's 7.1% Bachelor's 3.2%
Also advertised as: CNC Gear Operator (Computer Numerical Control Gear Operator), CNC Lathe Operator (Computer Numerical Control Lathe Operator), CNC Machine Operator (Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator), CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist), CNC Mill Operator (Computer Numerical Control Mill Operator), CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator).
Pay
How much do CNC machinists make?
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators earn a median of $50,690 a year ($24.37 an hour, or about $4,220 a month); the lowest-paid 10% earn less than $38,140 and the top 10% more than $73,890 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
The best-paying state is Washington, with a median of $107,920. See CNC machinist salary in Washington and every other state. By city, pay is highest around Seattle ($103,460 average): salary in every city.
Every computer numerically controlled tool operator in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$50,690
Middle half earn $44,930 to $61,760
- 10th
- $38,140
- 25th
- $44,930
- 75th
- $61,760
- 90th
- $73,890
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $38,140 |
| 25th | $44,930 |
| Median | $50,690 |
| 75th | $61,760 |
| 90th | $73,890 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $50,690
- Median hourly wage
- $24.37/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $54,320
- People employed
- 169,450
Versus all US occupations
At $50,690, the median for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators sits in line with the $50,980 median across all US occupations.
Versus production occupations
Inside the Production group, where the middle occupation pays $48,030, this is 6% above the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $73,890 or more while the bottom 10% earn $38,140, a gap of 1.9×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 23% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Washington pays the most at $107,920, and still leads at $100,848 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay CNC machinists the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Washington | $107,920 | $100,848 | 2,270 |
| 2Massachusetts | $61,630 | $58,275 | 2,500 |
| 3North Dakota | $60,250 | $67,728 | 250 |
| 4Connecticut | $59,840 | $57,755 | 2,740 |
| 5New Hampshire | $59,730 | $57,342 | 1,770 |
| 6Maine | $59,660 | $61,473 | 440 |
| 7Vermont | $57,500 | $58,699 | 1,190 |
| 8Rhode Island | $57,390 | $56,111 | 540 |
| 9Minnesota | $56,780 | $57,574 | 4,290 |
| 10Oregon | $56,670 | $54,827 | 2,920 |
Job outlook
Is CNC machinist a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Declining. -9.4% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators | −9.4% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Declining
BLS projects employment of Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators to change -9.4% over 2025–2035, while total US employment is projected to rise 3.5%. That is 15,900 fewer jobs.
Annual openings
About 12,500 openings are projected each year, 7.4% of the 170,000 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of metal and plastic machine workers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, decline.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Projected employment of metal and plastic machine workers varies by occupation (see table).
One of the most important factors influencing employment of these workers is the use of laborsaving machinery. Many firms are continuing to expand the use of technologies, such as computer numerically controlled (CNC) tools and robots, to improve quality and lower production costs. The use of CNC equipment requires CNC tool programmers instead of machine setters, operators, and tenders. Therefore, demand for most manual tool operators and tenders is likely to be reduced, while demand for CNC tool programmers is expected to be strong.
AI exposure: high
BLS places this occupation in its high relative AI exposure category, above the middle of the pack: a substantial share of the work overlaps with what AI can do.
Getting in
How to become a CNC machinist
CNC operators are not licensed, and BLS says certification is optional. The useful distinction, which the NIMS standards make and job adverts usually do not, is between operating and setting up. NIMS defines a CNC Milling Operator or CNC Turning Operator as someone who sets up jobs with proven programs, and reserves the Specialist roles for people who set up jobs with unproven programs. Those are different credentials and different pay bands, and knowing which one an employer means is worth more than any certificate.
The credential path, step by step
- Get a high school diploma; the programming path wants more
BLS records a high school diploma as typical for metal and plastic machine workers, but notes CNC tool programmers usually need coursework beyond high school. Community colleges and other schools offer courses and certificate programmes in operating metal and plastic machines including CNC programming, and high school classes in computer programming, math and vocational technology are useful.
- Expect up to a year of on-the-job trainingUp to 1 year of on-the-job training for CNC tool operators
BLS says machine operator trainees usually begin by watching and helping experienced workers, supplying materials, starting and stopping machines or removing finished products, then advance to adjusting feeds and speeds, replacing tools and measuring finished products for conformance, and eventually to setting machines up. Some operators are trained on basic machine operations in a few months; CNC tool operators specifically may need training for up to 1 year.
- Earn NIMS operator credentials through a school or employer
NIMS credentials pair an exam on the knowledge needed for the role with a performance evaluation of the everyday tasks it demands, and are administered by organisations registered with NIMS rather than sold to individuals. Relevant machining job roles include CNC Milling Operator, CNC Turning Operator, CNC 5-Axis Milling Operator, Swiss Turn Operator, CNC Micro Grinder Operator and CNC Hybrid Centerless Grinder Operator.
- Stack toward specialist if you want to move up
NIMS publishes recommended stacks that show the route. Preparing a CNC Milling Specialist stacks Measurement, Materials and Safety, then Job Planning, Benchwork and Layout, then CNC Mill Operations, then CNC Mill Programming, Setup and Operations. The equivalent for turning stacks CNC Lathe Operations then CNC Lathe Programming, Setup and Operations. BLS separately notes it is common for machine operators to move into setup or machinery maintenance positions, or on to machinist or tool and die maker roles.
- Renew within five years
All NIMS credentials expire five years from the date they are earned unless renewed under the NIMS renewal policy.
- How long the training takes
No programme is required. BLS puts on-the-job training for CNC tool operators at up to 1 year and describes certificate programmes at community colleges and technical schools covering CNC operation and programming.
- Continuing education
Required to stay credentialed
NIMS credentials expire five years from the date they are earned unless renewed in accordance with the NIMS renewal policy. There is no continuing education obligation attached to the job itself, because there is no licence.
Licensing and state variation
Not a state license
No state licenses CNC tool operators and NIMS credentials are national. The variation that matters is between employers: some shops treat NIMS credentials as the basis for wage progression and hiring, others do not use them at all, and job titles for the same work differ widely between shops even where the NIMS role definitions do not.
Who governs the credential
- National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS)
Defines the machining job roles that separate operators (who set up jobs with proven programs) from specialists (who set up jobs with unproven programs), writes the credential exams and performance evaluations, and registers the organisations that administer them.
Credential detail for computer numerically controlled tool operators is researched by hand from the bodies that issue it, not derived from BLS or O*NET. Sources last checked August 23, 2026. Requirements change: confirm with your own state board before enrolling in anything.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook — Metal and Plastic Machine Workers, How to Become One (covers CNC tool operators) · checked August 23, 2026
- NIMS — Interactive Smart Standards: Machining Roles (operator versus specialist definitions) · checked August 23, 2026
- NIMS — Credentialing (exam plus performance evaluation, administered by registered organisations) · checked August 23, 2026
- NIMS — Stacking Recommendations · checked August 23, 2026
- NIMS — Renewal Policy · checked August 23, 2026
What the federal data says
Metal and plastic workers typically need a high school diploma to enter the occupation and receive 1 year of on-the-job training. Computer numerically controlled (CNC) tool programmers typically need postsecondary education.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
High school diploma or equivalent
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Some preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as computer numerically controlled tool operators.
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)48.2%
- Post-Secondary Certificate21.2%
- Some College Courses16.8%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree7.1%
- Less than a High School Diploma3.5%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 48.2% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 21.2% |
| Some College Courses | 16.8% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 7.1% |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 3.5% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a CNC machinist do?
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.
Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate equipment that cuts, shapes, and forms metal and plastic materials or pieces.
Day-to-day tasks
- Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces.
- Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.
- 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.
- Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
- Confer with supervisors or programmers to resolve machine malfunctions or production errors or to obtain approval to continue production.
- Clean machines, tooling, or parts, using solvents or solutions and rags.
- Maintain machines and remove and replace broken or worn machine tools, using hand tools.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most metal and plastic machine workers are employed full time. Some work more than 40 hours per week. Because many manufacturers run their machinery for extended periods, evening and weekend work is also common.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayAlmost never works outdoors.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeOn their feet more than half the working day.
Bending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayDealing with the public
Not importantExtremely importantLittle or no dealing with customers or the public.
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayMeeting strict deadlines at least weekly.
Conflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Critical Thinking3.6
- Monitoring3.6
- Active Listening3.1
- Speaking3.0
- Reading Comprehension2.9
- Active Learning2.9
- Mathematics2.8
- Writing2.6
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | 3.6 |
| Monitoring | 3.6 |
| Active Listening | 3.1 |
| Speaking | 3.0 |
| Reading Comprehension | 2.9 |
| Active Learning | 2.9 |
| Mathematics | 2.8 |
| Writing | 2.6 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Operations Monitoring4.1
- Operation and Control4.1
- Quality Control Analysis3.4
- Complex Problem Solving3.1
- Troubleshooting3.1
- Equipment Maintenance3.0
- Repairing3.0
- Judgment and Decision Making3.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Operations Monitoring | 4.1 |
| Operation and Control | 4.1 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.4 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.1 |
| Troubleshooting | 3.1 |
| Equipment Maintenance | 3.0 |
| Repairing | 3.0 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Computer aided design CAD software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Project management software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Analytical or scientific software
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Desktop communications software
- Development environment software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
The workforce
Who works as a CNC machinist?
Women make up 7.8% of computer numerically controlled tool operators, against 47.1% of all employed people: a heavily male-dominated occupation.
24.7% are 55 or older, close to the 23.2% across all jobs.
The median worker is 41.2 years old (all workers: 42.1).
- Women
- 7.8%All workers 47.1% · BLS CPS, 2025
- Median age
- 41.2All workers 42.1 · BLS CPS, 2025
- Aged 55+
- 24.7%All workers 23.2% · BLS CPS, 2025
- Employed (CPS)
- 77,000Computer numerically controlled tool operators and programmers · BLS CPS, 2025
| Group | Share of computer numerically controlled tool operators | All employed people |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 7.8% | 47.1% |
| White | 69.5% | 75.7% |
| Black or African American | 14.9% | 12.7% |
| Asian | 6.5% | 7.5% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 11.4% | 20.0% |
| Aged 55 and over | 24.7% | 23.2% |
| Aged 16 to 24 | 9.1% | 12.2% |
Current Population Survey annual averages, 2025 (BLS tables 11 and 11b). Race groups can overlap with Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, so they do not sum to 100%. CPS reports this occupation only within the wider Census group “Computer numerically controlled tool operators and programmers”, so these figures are for that group.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a CNC machinist?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 6 |
| Investigative | 3 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 1 |
| Enterprising | 1 |
| Conventional | 5 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
- Realistic6.4
- Conventional5.4
- Investigative2.9
- Enterprising1.4
- Artistic1.2
- Social1.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator
O*NET related occupations
- Production
Milling and Planing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$52,800median a year
Most earn $38K to $81K
−13.2%High school - Production
- Production
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$50,620median a year
Most earn $37K to $70K
−11.3%High school - Production
Multiple Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$47,180median a year
Most earn $36K to $74K
+0.6%High school - Production
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer
$68,120median a year
Most earn $48K to $100K
+5.9%Certificate - Production
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$46,550median a year
Most earn $36K to $63K
−10.8%High school
More production careers
Median annual pay, with computer numerically controlled tool operators highlighted
- Power Plant Operator$102,040
- Tool and Die Maker$64,050
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator$60,020
- Machinist$58,750
- Welder$53,750
- Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter$51,330
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator$50,690
- Butcher and Meat Cutter$40,140
- Baker$37,160
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Plant Operator | $102,040 |
| Tool and Die Maker | $64,050 |
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator | $60,020 |
| Machinist | $58,750 |
| Welder | $53,750 |
| Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter | $51,330 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator | $50,690 |
| Butcher and Meat Cutter | $40,140 |
| Baker | $37,160 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator appears on
Questions
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator: frequently asked questions
How much do CNC machinists make?
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators earn a median of $50,690 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), close to the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $24.37/hr. The middle half earn between $44,930 and $61,760. The top 10% earn $73,890 or more.
How much do CNC machinists make an hour?
The median hourly wage for computer numerically controlled tool operators is $24.37 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). On a full-year basis the $50,690 annual median works out to about $4,220 a month before tax.
What is the starting salary for a CNC machinist?
BLS does not publish a starting salary. The nearest measure is the low end of the pay range: the lowest-paid 10% of computer numerically controlled tool operators earn less than $38,140 a year and the bottom quarter less than $44,930 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). New workers often start near that end, but where a particular job starts depends on the employer, the state and the credentials you bring, so read these as the bottom of the range rather than a guaranteed entry wage.
Do CNC machinists make $100k?
Rarely. Even the 90th percentile is $73,890, so fewer than 10% of computer numerically controlled tool operators earn $100,000 or more (BLS OEWS, May 2025). One state has a median above $100,000: Washington ($107,920).
Which states pay CNC machinists the most?
The highest state medians for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators are Washington ($107,920), Massachusetts ($61,630), North Dakota ($60,250) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What kind of CNC machinist earns the most?
BLS does not split computer numerically controlled tool operators' pay by specialty or employer, but its range shows how far the top end runs: the highest-paid 10% earn more than $73,890, against a median of $50,690 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Location moves pay the most in the published data: the best-paying states are Washington ($107,920), Massachusetts ($61,630), North Dakota ($60,250).
Do you need a degree to become a CNC machinist?
No. A bachelor's degree is not the norm: BLS reports a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators. BLS also lists moderate-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 48.2% hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged).
Is CNC machinist a growing career?
No. BLS projects employment to fall 9.4% over 2025–2035, a loss of 15,900 jobs (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 12,500 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a CNC machinist do?
Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate equipment that cuts, shapes, and forms metal and plastic materials or pieces. A core O*NET task: set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces. Employers most often ask for Computer aided design CAD software, Electronic mail software, Enterprise resource planning ERP software.
Do CNC machinists work 40 hours a week?
Most work more than 40. In O*NET's survey of people in the job, 50% of computer numerically controlled tool operators usually work more than 40 hours a week, 49% work exactly 40 and 1% work fewer. 87% say their schedule is regular and 13% irregular. Source: O*NET 31.0 Database, Work Context.
What personality type suits a CNC machinist?
O*NET scores Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators highest on the Realistic and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.
How long does it take to become a CNC machinist?
No programme is required. BLS puts on-the-job training for CNC tool operators at up to 1 year and describes certificate programmes at community colleges and technical schools covering CNC operation and programming.
Do you need a license to work as a CNC machinist?
Not a state license. No state licenses CNC tool operators and NIMS credentials are national. The variation that matters is between employers: some shops treat NIMS credentials as the basis for wage progression and hiring, others do not use them at all, and job titles for the same work differ widely between shops even where the NIMS role definitions do not.
What percentage of CNC machinists are women?
Women make up 7.8% of computer numerically controlled tool operators, against 47.1% of all employed people: a heavily male-dominated occupation. 24.7% are 55 or older, close to the 23.2% across all jobs. The median worker is 41.2 years old (all workers: 42.1). Source: BLS Current Population Survey, 2025 annual averages, for the Census group "Computer numerically controlled tool operators and programmers".