Computer numerically controlled tool operators
SOC Code: 51-9161
Computer numerically controlled tool operators carries a 36% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $49,970 and -10.7% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 177,100 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 36% AI exposure, Computer numerically controlled tool operators sits 1 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 56% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Career outlook score
29/100
Computer numerically controlled tool operators, weighted across 3 of 3 tracked dimensions
A weighted composite of median wage, projected growth, and AI-automation security (inverted exposure), each benchmarked against every other tracked occupation. It describes this occupation's standing across those three dimensions, not a guarantee of future outcomes.
- Median wage F $49,970
Annual median wage, percentile rank vs all tracked occupations
- Projected growth F -10.7%
Projected employment change, 2024-2034, BLS Employment Projections
- AI exposure (inverted) D 36% exposure
Lower O*NET task-automability scores lower risk; this dimension scores security, not exposure
Home health and personal care aides is #1 of 832 occupations by employment (4.3M, AI exposure rank #392 at 35%) vs. Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks #1 by AI task exposure (95%, employment rank #17 at 1.6M).
Automation-risk inventory
Exclusive cut of 832 occupations by PlainWorkforce automation-risk band. Orthogonal to the continuous AI-exposure distribution chart below and to this occupation's single risk badge, this is the corpus band mix, with Computer numerically controlled tool operators in the Medium band.
Credential × growth standing
Open entry on a declining BLS line
Typical entry is HS / some college (333/832) while growth is Declining (111/832). This is the crowded high-risk corner of the map - automation and headcount pressure compound without a degree moat.
Where Computer numerically controlled tool operators sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Where Computer numerically controlled tool operators sits by AI exposure
AI-exposure score distribution across U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis)
36% Around the middle lower than 44% of 832 occupations
Occupations, banded by AI-exposure score
Each bar is a band; taller bars hold more occupations. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count and share, and where it sits relative to this entry.
Source O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor) · BLS 2024–2034
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Computer numerically controlled tool operators vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Computer numerically controlled tool operators is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Where This Score Comes From
Computer numerically controlled tool operators's Medium automation-risk tier is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each documented task the occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The employment, wage, and education figures above come from a second, separate federal source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034, matched to the O*NET task data by Standard Occupational Classification (SOC 51-9161) code, with the wage figure cross-validated against the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024 survey. BLS figures are presented exactly as published, with no adjustment on our part; the SOC-code match is what lets Computer numerically controlled tool operators be compared directly against every other tracked occupation on the same basis, not just roles that happen to share a job title.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Computer numerically controlled tool operators. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.
- 2. Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces.
- 3. Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
- 4. Review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences.
- 5. Stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences.
- 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.
- 7. Implement changes to machine programs, and enter new specifications, using computers.
- 8. Calculate machine speed and feed ratios and the size and position of cuts.
- 9. Transfer commands from servers to computer numerical control (CNC) modules, using computer network links.
- 10. Remove and replace dull cutting tools.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Quality Control Analysis
- Active Listening
- Complex Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting
- Speaking
- Equipment Maintenance
Knowledge Areas
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
- Education and Training
- Design
- Administration and Management
- Computers and Electronics
- Physics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Computer numerically controlled tool operators?
Computer numerically controlled tool operators has an AI exposure score of 36%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Computer numerically controlled tool operators?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Computer numerically controlled tool operators is projected to decline by 10.7% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 177,100 workers.
What skills are needed for Computer numerically controlled tool operators?
Key skills for Computer numerically controlled tool operators include Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Computer numerically controlled tool operators earn?
The median annual wage for Computer numerically controlled tool operators is $49,970, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Computer numerically controlled tool operators?
The typical entry-level education for Computer numerically controlled tool operators is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Computer numerically controlled tool operators?
Computer numerically controlled tool operators roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Nationwide occupations with similar workforce profiles
Two data-derived peer sets for Computer numerically controlled tool operators: AI-exposure neighbors and BLS 2034 growth neighbors (distinct comparison neighborhoods, cross-occupation).
Similar AI exposure score
Nearest O*NET task-automability scores nationwide (36% here).
- Amusement and recreation attendants · AI exposure 36%
- Communications teachers, postsecondary · AI exposure 36%
- Computer network support specialists · AI exposure 36%
- Computer science teachers, postsecondary · AI exposure 36%
Similar projected growth (2024–2034)
Nearest BLS employment change rates nationwide (-10.7% here).
- Sewing machine operators · growth -10.8%
- Tool and die makers · growth -10.8%
- Bill and account collectors · growth -10.5%
- Helpers--brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and tile and marble setters · growth -10.5%
Peers are nearest-neighbor matches on published BLS + O*NET metrics among occupations with ≥10,000 workers in 2024; corpus ranks above sort the full tracked set.
Related Occupations
Showing 6 of 81 occupations with a comparable automation-risk profile.
What to do with this
Use Computer numerically controlled tool operators' numbers above to compare, not just read in isolation.
- Compare Computer numerically controlled tool operators side by side against another occupation on wage, growth, and AI exposure. Workforce comparison tool
- Understand how the AI exposure score above is actually calculated before treating it as a verdict. Reading AI exposure scores
- See the full ranked list of occupations with the lowest automation exposure nationwide. Safest occupations from AI
AI exposure scores estimate task automatability from O*NET data; they are not a certainty of job loss, and BLS growth projections are estimates, not guarantees.
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).