Employment Percentage
-26.40117994
SOC ID
51-9161
SOC Title
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
ONET ID
51-9161.00
ONET Concat ID
51916100
Median Salary
40946.15
EMSI Interest Area Term
Ed Level High School
41.810001
Ed Level Certificate
19.440001
Ed Level Some College
14.52
Ed Level Associates
12.12
Ed Level Bachelors
12.12
Ed Level Masters
0
Ed Level Doctors
0
Typical Ed Level
a high school diploma or less
Career Description
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.
Core Tasks
- Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.
- Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
- Stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences.
- Transfer commands from servers to computer numerical control (CNC) modules, using computer network links.
- Insert control instructions into machine control units to start operation.
- Check to ensure that workpieces are properly lubricated and cooled during machine operation.
- Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces.
- Review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences.
- Remove and replace dull cutting tools.
- 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.
- Monitor machine operation and control panel displays, and compare readings to specifications to detect malfunctions.
- Enter commands or load control media, such as tapes, cards, or disks, into machine controllers to retrieve programmed instructions.
- Modify cutting programs to account for problems encountered during operation, and save modified programs.
- Adjust machine feed and speed, change cutting tools, or adjust machine controls when automatic programming is faulty or if machines malfunction.
- Lift workpieces to machines manually or with hoists or cranes.
- Calculate machine speed and feed ratios and the size and position of cuts.
- Stack or load finished items, or place items on conveyor systems.
- Control coolant systems.
- Maintain machines and remove and replace broken or worn machine tools, using hand tools.
- Confer with supervisors or programmers to resolve machine malfunctions or production errors or to obtain approval to continue production.
- Implement changes to machine programs, and enter new specifications, using computers.
- Clean machines, tooling, or parts, using solvents or solutions and rags.
- Set up future jobs while machines are operating.
Start Annual Earnings
28040.79
Top Annual Earnings
67631.59
EMSI Career Title Slug
computer-numerically-controlled-tool-operator