Production

CNC Tool Operators

SOC 51-9161

Run computer-controlled machines that cut precise parts.

Median pay

$51k

$45k to $62k typical range

Outlook

Declining

14k openings / yr

Education

High school

AI exposure

22%

modeled estimate · 70th pct in Microsoft's data

Future-proof

24/100

Key skills

Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Active Listening
Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Active Learning

Where this ranks

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Pay and outlook from BLS (OEWS 2025, Employment Projections 2024-2034). Skills and work activities from O*NET 30.3. AI exposure and future-proof scores are modeled estimates. How we model AI exposure.