{"v":"2026-11-02","dataVersion":"ONET-30.3+BLS-MAY25","code":"51-9161.00","slug":"computer-numerically-controlled-tool-operators","title":"Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators","alt":["Operator","CNC Operator","Laser Operator","CNC Machine Operator","CNC Laser Operator","CNC Gear Operator","CNC Mill Operator","CNC Lathe Operator","CNC Router Operator","CNC Tech","Aircraft Metals Technician","Stencil Cutter"],"employment":169450,"wage":{"median":50690,"p25":44930,"p75":61760},"growthPct":-10.7,"exposure":19.7,"taskCount":27,"highCount":2,"midCount":0,"lowCount":25,"aeiObserved":0,"fit":{"mix":{"none":84.2,"efficient":11.8,"standard":0,"frontier":3.9},"counts":{"none":23,"efficient":3,"standard":0,"frontier":1},"recommended":"frontier","coveragePct":15.8,"addressablePct":15.8},"tasks":[{"t":"Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.","imp":4.76,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information"},{"t":"Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces.","imp":4.68,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Working with Computers"},{"t":"Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.","imp":4.63,"exp":20,"src":"heuristic","tier":"efficient","gwa":"Handling and Moving Objects"},{"t":"Review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences.","imp":4.61,"exp":65,"src":"heuristic","tier":"efficient","gwa":"Getting Information"},{"t":"Stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences.","imp":4.56,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Handling and Moving Objects"},{"t":"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.","imp":4.55,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings"},{"t":"Implement changes to machine programs, and enter new specifications, using computers.","imp":4.55,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Working with Computers","auto":0.7727,"aug":0.2273},{"t":"Calculate machine speed and feed ratios and the size and position of cuts.","imp":4.54,"exp":80,"src":"heuristic","tier":"frontier","gwa":"Making Decisions and Solving Problems"},{"t":"Transfer commands from servers to computer numerical control (CNC) modules, using computer network links.","imp":4.53,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Working with Computers"},{"t":"Remove and replace dull cutting tools.","imp":4.47,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Handling and Moving Objects"},{"t":"Check to ensure that workpieces are properly lubricated and cooled during machine operation.","imp":4.45,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings"},{"t":"Adjust machine feed and speed, change cutting tools, or adjust machine controls when automatic programming is faulty or if machines malfunction.","imp":4.41,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Handling and Moving Objects"},{"t":"Monitor machine operation and control panel displays, and compare readings to specifications to detect malfunctions.","imp":4.4,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings"},{"t":"Maintain machines and remove and replace broken or worn machine tools, using hand tools.","imp":4.37,"exp":20,"src":"heuristic","tier":"efficient","gwa":"Handling and Moving Objects"},{"t":"Insert control instructions into machine control units to start operation.","imp":4.36,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Working with Computers"},{"t":"Modify cutting programs to account for problems encountered during operation, and save modified programs.","imp":4.28,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Working with Computers"},{"t":"Write simple programs for computer-controlled machine tools.","imp":4.21,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Working with Computers"},{"t":"Lift workpieces to machines manually or with hoists or cranes.","imp":4.19,"exp":8,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Controlling Machines and Processes"},{"t":"Enter commands or load control media, such as tapes, cards, or disks, into machine controllers to retrieve programmed instructions.","imp":4.16,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Working with Computers"},{"t":"Input initial part dimensions into machine control panels.","imp":4.15,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Working with Computers"},{"t":"Set up future jobs while machines are operating.","imp":4.09,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Working with Computers"},{"t":"Confer with supervisors or programmers to resolve machine malfunctions or production errors or to obtain approval to continue production.","imp":4,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates"},{"t":"Stack or load finished items, or place items on conveyor systems.","imp":3.92,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Performing General Physical Activities"},{"t":"Control coolant systems.","imp":3.91,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Handling and Moving Objects"},{"t":"Clean machines, tooling, or parts, using solvents or solutions and rags.","imp":3.82,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Performing General Physical Activities"},{"t":"Lay out and mark areas of parts to be shot peened and fill hoppers with shot.","imp":3.48,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Performing General Physical Activities"},{"t":"Examine electronic components for defects or completeness of laser-beam trimming, using microscopes.","imp":3.02,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials"}],"adjacent":[{"code":"51-9162.00","slug":"computer-numerically-controlled-tool-programmers","title":"Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers","overlap":0.85,"months":5,"exposure":31.8,"strong":true},{"code":"51-4081.00","slug":"multiple-machine-tool-setters-operators-and-tenders-metal-and-plastic","title":"Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic","overlap":0.76,"months":9,"exposure":17.3,"strong":true},{"code":"51-4041.00","slug":"machinists","title":"Machinists","overlap":0.72,"months":10,"exposure":27.4,"strong":true},{"code":"51-4034.00","slug":"lathe-and-turning-machine-tool-setters-operators-and-tenders-metal-and-plastic","title":"Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic","overlap":0.71,"months":11,"exposure":22.3,"strong":true},{"code":"51-4035.00","slug":"milling-and-planing-machine-setters-operators-and-tenders-metal-and-plastic","title":"Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic","overlap":0.69,"months":11,"exposure":25.7,"strong":true}]}
