AI exposure by occupation, O*NET 51-9161.00

Will AI replace Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators?

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators: AI can already handle 2 of 27 tasks; most of the work is hands-on, and the part AI can address mostly needs a frontier-tier model.

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Every task, scored

The 27 tasks O*NET 30.3 lists for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators, from most to least exposed. 2 reach 60 or more, the level at which AI already handles a task.

Task AI exposure Evidence Model tier Importance
Calculate machine speed and feed ratios and the size and position of cuts. 80 Estimated Frontier 4.5
Review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences. 65 Estimated Efficient 4.6
Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments. 20 Estimated Efficient 4.6
Maintain machines and remove and replace broken or worn machine tools, using hand tools. 20 Estimated Efficient 4.4
Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures. 15 Estimated No tier 4.8
Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces. 15 Estimated No tier 4.7
Stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences. 15 Estimated No tier 4.6
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. 15 Estimated No tier 4.5
Implement changes to machine programs, and enter new specifications, using computers. 15 Estimated No tier 4.5
Transfer commands from servers to computer numerical control (CNC) modules, using computer network links. 15 Estimated No tier 4.5
Remove and replace dull cutting tools. 15 Estimated No tier 4.5
Check to ensure that workpieces are properly lubricated and cooled during machine operation. 15 Estimated No tier 4.5
Adjust machine feed and speed, change cutting tools, or adjust machine controls when automatic programming is faulty or if machines malfunction. 15 Estimated No tier 4.4
Monitor machine operation and control panel displays, and compare readings to specifications to detect malfunctions. 15 Estimated No tier 4.4
Insert control instructions into machine control units to start operation. 15 Estimated No tier 4.4
Modify cutting programs to account for problems encountered during operation, and save modified programs. 15 Estimated No tier 4.3
Write simple programs for computer-controlled machine tools. 15 Estimated No tier 4.2
Enter commands or load control media, such as tapes, cards, or disks, into machine controllers to retrieve programmed instructions. 15 Estimated No tier 4.2
Input initial part dimensions into machine control panels. 15 Estimated No tier 4.2
Set up future jobs while machines are operating. 15 Estimated No tier 4.1
Confer with supervisors or programmers to resolve machine malfunctions or production errors or to obtain approval to continue production. 15 Estimated No tier 4.0
Stack or load finished items, or place items on conveyor systems. 15 Estimated No tier 3.9
Control coolant systems. 15 Estimated No tier 3.9
Clean machines, tooling, or parts, using solvents or solutions and rags. 15 Estimated No tier 3.8
Lay out and mark areas of parts to be shot peened and fill hoppers with shot. 15 Estimated No tier 3.5
Examine electronic components for defects or completeness of laser-beam trimming, using microscopes. 15 Estimated No tier 3.0
Lift workpieces to machines manually or with hoists or cranes. 8 Estimated No tier 4.2

Observed: scored from AI use recorded in the Anthropic Economic Index (June 2026 release), 0 of 27 tasks. Estimated: scored from the task's O*NET 30.3 work activity, 27 of 27. Importance is O*NET's 1 to 5 rating of how central the task is. Model tier is the lowest tier that can do the task under the published rubric; "No tier" marks hands-on work.

The model tier this role needs

A frontier-tier model or lower covers 16% of the role's importance-weighted task work. 16% of the work is something AI can address at some tier, and 84% is hands-on.

Efficient, standard and frontier tiers come from the JobRoute model tier reference. The recommended tier is the lowest one that covers 80% of the work AI can address. How the method works.

Wages, employment and outlook

US employment
169,450
Median annual wage
$50,690
Middle half of earners
$44,930 to $61,760
Projected change, 2024 to 2034
-10.7%

Employment and wages: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, national. Projection: BLS Employment Projections 2024 to 2034.

Adjacent roles

The occupations that reuse the most of this role's skills, with the usual time to move. These are the first places to look when you plan to redeploy or retrain people in this role.

Skill overlap and transition time from the JobRoute role adjacency graph on O*NET 30.3 skills.

Questions about Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators and AI

Will AI replace Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators?

AI already handles 2 of the 27 tasks O*NET lists for this occupation, at a task exposure of 60 or more, and the role's importance-weighted exposure is 20 out of 100. JobRoute scores tasks, not whole jobs, so the score shows how much of the work changes rather than whether the job disappears. BLS projects employment to change by -10.7% from 2024 to 2034.

What is the AI exposure of Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators?

20 out of 100 on JobRoute's task exposure measure, the importance-weighted average of the role's O*NET task scores. Higher means more of the work is AI-doable today. 0 of the 27 task scores are observed in the Anthropic Economic Index (June 2026 release), and the other 27 are estimated from each task's O*NET work activity.

Which Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators tasks can AI already do?

The tasks with the highest exposure are: Calculate machine speed and feed ratios and the size and position of cuts; Review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences. They are the tasks that reach 60 or more.

What AI model tier does this role need?

A frontier-tier model or lower covers 16% of the role's importance-weighted task work, and 84% is hands-on work that no model tier covers. JobRoute assigns each task the lowest tier that can do it under a published rubric and recommends the lowest tier that covers 80% of the work AI can address.

How many people work as Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators, and what do they earn?

169,450 people in the United States, with a median annual wage of $50,690 (BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025). BLS Employment Projections expect a change of -10.7% from 2024 to 2034.

How to cite

Data version 2026-11-02, JobRoute method v1.0.0. Download all occupations or this occupation as JSON. Methodology.

JobRoute (2026). AI exposure: Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators. Data version 2026-11-02, method v1.0.0. Built on O*NET 30.3, BLS OEWS May 2025 and the Anthropic Economic Index (June 2026). CC BY 4.0. https://www.jobroute.ai/jobs/computer-numerically-controlled-tool-operators

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