How much does a computer numerically controlled tool operator make?
The median computer numerically controlled tool operator in the United States earns $49,970 per year, about $24.02 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all computer numerically controlled tool operators earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. SOC code 51-9161.
Computer numerically controlled tool operator salary range
Pay for computer numerically controlled tool operators spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $37,160 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $71,160. The average (mean) wage of $52,900 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,160 | $17.87 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $42,710 | $20.53 | |
| Median (50th) | $49,970 | $24.02 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $60,980 | $29.32 | |
| 90th percentile | $71,160 | $34.21 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for computer numerically controlled tool operators (SOC 51-9161), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
Computer numerically controlled tool operator salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Computer numerically controlled tool operators earn the most in Washington at $104,120 a year, and the least in Mississippi at $39,870. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $104,120 | 1,780 |
| Massachusetts | $61,820 | 2,440 |
| North Dakota | $61,610 | 270 |
| Maine | $59,270 | 750 |
| New Jersey | $56,750 | 2,010 |
| Pennsylvania | $55,610 | 10,700 |
| Wisconsin | $55,550 | 10,760 |
| New Hampshire | $55,450 | 1,970 |
| California | $55,250 | 18,870 |
| Minnesota | $53,840 | 4,020 |
| Connecticut | $53,760 | 3,310 |
| Wyoming | $53,350 | 70 |
| Vermont | $52,820 | 1,080 |
| North Carolina | $52,740 | 3,870 |
| Maryland | $52,000 | 1,790 |
| Oregon | $51,330 | 3,070 |
| Rhode Island | $51,090 | 400 |
| Colorado | $50,900 | 1,180 |
| New York | $50,610 | 5,500 |
| South Dakota | $50,460 | 1,450 |
| Louisiana | $50,400 | 520 |
| Nevada | $50,350 | 390 |
| Iowa | $50,250 | 4,710 |
| Nebraska | $50,130 | 970 |
| South Carolina | $49,830 | 2,950 |
| Alabama | $49,430 | 3,530 |
| Missouri | $49,260 | 2,950 |
| Oklahoma | $48,820 | 1,840 |
| Arkansas | $48,810 | 1,640 |
| Tennessee | $48,710 | 2,210 |
| Arizona | $48,650 | 1,810 |
| Ohio | $48,100 | 22,980 |
| Illinois | $48,010 | 9,400 |
| Kentucky | $47,730 | 1,580 |
| Georgia | $47,710 | 2,200 |
| Indiana | $47,690 | 8,050 |
| Delaware | $47,670 | 120 |
| Virginia | $47,570 | 1,880 |
| Kansas | $47,540 | 2,220 |
| Idaho | $47,240 | 500 |
| Montana | $47,210 | 390 |
| Texas | $46,990 | 13,590 |
| Michigan | $46,630 | 8,200 |
| West Virginia | $45,900 | 210 |
| Utah | $45,880 | 960 |
| Florida | $45,290 | 4,590 |
| New Mexico | $43,720 | 40 |
| Mississippi | $39,870 | 1,210 |
State median wages for computer numerically controlled tool operators (SOC 51-9161), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2024. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for computer numerically controlled tool operators
The BLS projects employment of computer numerically controlled tool operators to shrink from 2025 to 2035 (down 9.4%). That is a decline, against 3.5% average growth for all occupations. That works out to roughly 170,000 jobs in 2025 moving toward 154,100 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 12,500 openings a year for computer numerically controlled tool operators. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a computer numerically controlled tool operator
The typical entry-level education for computer numerically controlled tool operators is a high school diploma or equivalent, according to the BLS. New hires typically complete moderate-term on-the-job training to reach full competency.
A four-year college degree is usually not required to start, which makes this one of the jobs you can enter without a bachelor's degree. See more high paying jobs without a degree .
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a computer numerically controlled tool operator earns
Industry, shift, certifications, and region drive pay, along with overtime. Skilled operators and workers in unionized plants sit near the top of the range.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (Washington, $104,120) and the lowest (Mississippi, $39,870) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 176,950 people work as computer numerically controlled tool operators in the United States. At $49,970 a year, the job pays above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs.
Computer numerically controlled tool operator salary FAQ
How much does a computer numerically controlled tool operator make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a computer numerically controlled tool operator is $24.02. The middle half of computer numerically controlled tool operators earn between $20.53 and $29.32 per hour.
What is the highest computer numerically controlled tool operator salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of computer numerically controlled tool operators earn more than $71,160 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a computer numerically controlled tool operator make a year?
The median annual salary for a computer numerically controlled tool operator is $49,970. The average (mean) wage of $52,900 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a computer numerically controlled tool operator a well paid job?
At $49,970 a year, a computer numerically controlled tool operator earns above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs. About 176,950 people work as computer numerically controlled tool operators in the United States.
Which state pays computer numerically controlled tool operators the most?
Washington has the highest median salary for computer numerically controlled tool operators at $104,120 a year. Massachusetts ($61,820) and North Dakota ($61,610) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2024.
Is being a computer numerically controlled tool operator a good career?
Employment of computer numerically controlled tool operators is projected to shrink 9.4% from 2025 to 2035, a decline, against 3.5% average growth for all occupations. The BLS projects about 12,500 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a computer numerically controlled tool operator?
No. The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for computer numerically controlled tool operators as a high school diploma or equivalent, so a four-year degree is usually not required to start.
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