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Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators

Production (51-9161)

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.

At a Glance

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators earns a median of $49,970/yr with -10.7% projected growth. Typical entry: High school diploma or equivalent. Top skills: Controlling Machines and Processes, SAP software, Autodesk AutoCAD.

Median Annual Wage

$49,970/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

-10.7%

Annual Openings

14

Typical Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Skills & Requirements

Skills (5)

Operations Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

4.1
Operation and Control

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

4.1
Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

3.6
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

3.6
Quality Control Analysis

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

3.4

Knowledge (5)

Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

4.2
Production and Processing

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

4.1
Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

3.8
English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

3.3
Engineering and Technology

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

3.3

Abilities (13)

Arm-Hand Steadiness

The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

3.8
Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

3.8
Information Ordering

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

3.6
Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

3.6
Reaction Time

The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

3.5
Control Precision

The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

3.5
Hearing Sensitivity

The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

3.4
Manual Dexterity

The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

3.3
Visualization

The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

3.3
Perceptual Speed

The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

3.3
Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

3.3
Auditory Attention

The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

3.3
Finger Dexterity

The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

3.3

Technology (10)

SAP software

Category: Enterprise resource planning ERP software | Hot Technology

4.5
Autodesk AutoCAD

Category: Computer aided design CAD software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Project

Category: Project management software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks

Category: Computer aided design CAD software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Outlook

Category: Electronic mail software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
G-code

Category: Object or component oriented development software

4.0

Work Activities (18)

Controlling Machines and Processes

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

4.6
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

4.3
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

4.1
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

4.0
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

3.9
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

3.8
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

3.8
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

3.8
Handling and Moving Objects

Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

3.8
Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

3.8
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

3.7
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

3.6
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

3.6
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

3.4
Performing General Physical Activities

Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

3.3
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

3.3
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

3.3
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment

Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

3.3

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

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