Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
SOC Code: 51-9161 Job Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
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.
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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $63,274 | $77,626 | $91,998 | $106,350 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA | $62,670 | $77,147 | $91,645 | $106,122 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | $62,504 | $77,043 | $91,562 | $106,101 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA | $62,192 | $76,794 | $91,395 | $105,997 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $61,901 | $76,502 | $91,125 | $105,726 |
| Wilmington, NC | $61,922 | $69,472 | $77,002 | $84,552 |
| Yakima, WA | $46,571 | $59,114 | $71,656 | $84,198 |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area | $46,550 | $59,030 | $71,490 | $83,970 |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area | $46,405 | $58,760 | $71,136 | $83,491 |
| Jacksonville, NC | $47,299 | $58,614 | $69,950 | $81,266 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Operation and Control | 4.1 | |
| Operations Monitoring | 4.1 | |
| Monitoring | 3.6 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3.6 | |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.4 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.1 | |
| Active Listening | 3.1 | |
| Troubleshooting | 3.1 | |
| Equipment Maintenance | 3.0 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.0 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | 4.2 |
| Production and Processing | 4.0 |
| Mechanical | 3.8 |
| English Language | 3.3 |
| Engineering and Technology | 3.3 |
| Education and Training | 3.1 |
| Design | 3.1 |
| Administration and Management | 3.0 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma | 48.2% |
| Some college | 21.2% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 16.8% |
| Associate's degree | 7.1% |
| Less than high school | 3.5% |
| Bachelor's degree | 3.2% |
Typical Tasks
- Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.
- Remove and replace dull cutting tools.
- Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
- 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.
- Adjust machine feed and speed, change cutting tools, or adjust machine controls when automatic programming is faulty or if machines malfunction.
- Stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences.
- Lift workpieces to machines manually or with hoists or cranes.
- Modify cutting programs to account for problems encountered during operation, and save modified programs.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
Autodesk AutoCAD Dassault Systemes SolidWorks Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Project Microsoft Word SAP software 1CadCam Unigraphics BobCAD-CAM CGTech Vericut CNC CNC Consulting Machinists' Calculator CNC Mastercam Cadem CAPSMill
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