What it pays
Government survey numbers — not estimates, not ads.
Half of all Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators in the U.S. earn more than $50,690 a year — the middle 80% land between $38,140 and $73,890. About 169,450 people in the U.S. do this work. Figures are for the U.S. occupation group “Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators”. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics survey, published 2025.) In India, Plant and machine operators and assemblers earn about ₹17,329 a month on average — around ₹2.1 lakh a year (government PLFS survey via ILOSTAT, occupation-family figure).
$50,690typical pay / year
169,450people in this work
$73,890+top 10% earn
₹2.1 lakha year in India (family avg)
Think you get this job?Six quick questions on how it really works — with a hint and the reason behind every answer.
Test yourself →The work, task by task
These are the real jobs-to-be-done, not a wish list. Each task shows where we found it, and the prompt underneath is written for that exact task.
Make2
Set up milling machines
+Set up the Haas VMC for the new batch: load the fixturing, zero X-Y-Z to the stock face, install the correct…
Set up milling machines
+Set up the Haas VMC for the new batch: load the fixturing, zero X-Y-Z to the stock face, install the correct endmill and holder, run the dry run at 50% feed to verify clearances, then sign off parts-per-hour target for today.
The tools that do the workBobCAD-CAMESCOjob descriptionsO*NET
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Input initial part dimensions into machine control panels.
+Enter the initial part dimensions and tolerance stack into the control panel from the shop print, set the…
Input initial part dimensions into machine control panels.
+Enter the initial part dimensions and tolerance stack into the control panel from the shop print, set the work offset to the A-plate origin, input tool length offsets for each cutter, and verify the WCS by jogging to three known datums.
The tools that do the work1CadCam Unigraphicsjob descriptionsO*NET
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Fixing2
Remove and replace dull cutting tools.
+Replace the dull 12mm carbide endmill with a new insert cutter: stop the spindle, remove the holder, change…
Remove and replace dull cutting tools.
+Replace the dull 12mm carbide endmill with a new insert cutter: stop the spindle, remove the holder, change the insert and torque to spec, clean the taper, reinstall and run a short test cut on billet to confirm finish and spindle runout.
The tools that do the workBobCAD-CAMjob descriptionsO*NET
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Perform regular machine maintenance
+Perform the weekly maintenance checklist: drain and top up the coolant, clean chip conveyors and filters,…
Perform regular machine maintenance
+Perform the weekly maintenance checklist: drain and top up the coolant, clean chip conveyors and filters, grease the linear guides, check backlash and belt tension, log findings in the maintenance book and flag anything needing vendor service.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft ExcelESCOO*NET
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Analysing2
Revise programs or tapes to fix errors
+Edit the program tape to fix the Z-axis overtravel: locate the offending block, correct the toolpath…
Revise programs or tapes to fix errors
+Edit the program tape to fix the Z-axis overtravel: locate the offending block, correct the toolpath coordinates and feed rate, simulate the corrected section on the control, save the revised tape and run a proving cut at reduced feed.
The tools that do the workCadem CAPSMilljob descriptionsO*NET
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Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations
+Establish reference points and hole pattern: inspect the drawing, mark the primary datum on the work, set and…
Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations
+Establish reference points and hole pattern: inspect the drawing, mark the primary datum on the work, set and record X-Y-Z machine zero, calculate and input the drilling coordinates for the pattern, then spot-check hole locations after the first run.
The tools that do the workDassault Systemes SolidWorksjob descriptionsO*NET
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The daily work18
Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
+Mount and secure the 12mm end mill, the soft-jaw fixture, and the aluminum workpiece on Shop Floor Mill 3,…
Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
+Mount and secure the 12mm end mill, the soft-jaw fixture, and the aluminum workpiece on Shop Floor Mill 3, align to the edge with the dial indicator to 0.01 mm, torque the collet and fixture bolts, then verify spindle runout before starting the program.
The tools that do the workBobCAD-CAMO*NET
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Monitor machine operation and control panel displays, and compare readings to specifications to detect malfunctions.
+Monitor Mill 3 operation and the control panel values for spindle speed, feed rate, and axis load every 10…
Monitor machine operation and control panel displays, and compare readings to specifications to detect malfunctions.
+Monitor Mill 3 operation and the control panel values for spindle speed, feed rate, and axis load every 10 minutes, compare readings to the job print tolerances, log any deviation over limits, and stop the machine if alarms persist.
The tools that do the workSAPO*NET
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Lift workpieces to machines manually or with hoists or cranes.
+Lift the 40 kilo steel blank onto the mill table using the shop hoist, sling under the part, guide it with a…
Lift workpieces to machines manually or with hoists or cranes.
+Lift the 40 kilo steel blank onto the mill table using the shop hoist, sling under the part, guide it with a partner to avoid swing, set it onto the soft-jaw, and clamp it so the center of gravity is stable before removing the sling.
The tools that do the workBobCAD-CAMO*NET
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Stack or load finished items, or place items on conveyor systems.
+Stack finished batches of ten parts onto the designated pallet at the end of Mill 3, align parts so barcodes…
Stack or load finished items, or place items on conveyor systems.
+Stack finished batches of ten parts onto the designated pallet at the end of Mill 3, align parts so barcodes face out, then feed the pallet to the conveyor and secure the top sheet to prevent shifting during transfer.
The tools that do the workSAPO*NET
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Control coolant systems.
+Check coolant level and concentration at the start of the shift, top up with the approved concentrate to 6…
Control coolant systems.
+Check coolant level and concentration at the start of the shift, top up with the approved concentrate to 6 percent if below spec, prime the coolant pump, and flush the lines if oil contamination is observed.
The tools that do the workSAPO*NET
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Clean machines, tooling, or parts, using solvents or solutions and rags.
+Clean Mill 3 spindle nose, collets, and the finished parts with approved solvent and lint-free rags, wipe…
Clean machines, tooling, or parts, using solvents or solutions and rags.
+Clean Mill 3 spindle nose, collets, and the finished parts with approved solvent and lint-free rags, wipe chips from the table, inspect tooling for wear, and dispose of used rags in the solvent waste bin following safety rules.
The tools that do the workSAPO*NET
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Lay out and mark areas of parts to be shot peened and fill hoppers with shot.
+Mark the areas on the batch of turbine brackets that require shot peening, lay out centerlines and datum…
Lay out and mark areas of parts to be shot peened and fill hoppers with shot.
+Mark the areas on the batch of turbine brackets that require shot peening, lay out centerlines and datum points on each part, then fill the shot hoppers to the specified grain size and quantity and verify hopper seals before starting.
The tools that do the workBobCAD-CAMO*NET
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Examine electronic components for defects or completeness of laser-beam trimming, using microscopes.
+Inspect the batch of trimmed resistors under the microscope, log any incomplete laser trims or surface…
Examine electronic components for defects or completeness of laser-beam trimming, using microscopes.
+Inspect the batch of trimmed resistors under the microscope, log any incomplete laser trims or surface defects with images and reference IDs, set aside faulty units, and note adjustments needed for the next trimming cycle.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft ExcelO*NET
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Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations
+Run trial cycles on the new fixture, observe spindle loads and program timings during the first three parts,…
Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations
+Run trial cycles on the new fixture, observe spindle loads and program timings during the first three parts, note any chatter or tool deflection, and capture the simulation log and adjustments to hand to the setup team.
The tools that do the work1CadCam Unigraphicsjob descriptions
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Decide about the sequence of machine operations
+Decide the sequence for machining the five faces of the housing so setup changes are minimized, put roughing…
Decide about the sequence of machine operations
+Decide the sequence for machining the five faces of the housing so setup changes are minimized, put roughing passes before finishing, and record the operation order and expected cycle times for the team to follow.
The tools that do the workBobCAD-CAMjob descriptions
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Compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures
+Calculate the angular cuts and linear offsets for the cam follower profile, determine the required radii and…
Compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures
+Calculate the angular cuts and linear offsets for the cam follower profile, determine the required radii and tool compensation, and write the dimensional checklist so the control offsets can be entered at setup.
The tools that do the workAutodesk AutoCADjob descriptions
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Write programs in the language of a machine's controller
+Write the controller program for the lathe to run the seven-step cycle: roughing, profiling, boring,…
Write programs in the language of a machine's controller
+Write the controller program for the lathe to run the seven-step cycle: roughing, profiling, boring, threading, OD finish, part stop and probe, with comments for feeds, speeds, and toolchange positions so the setup techs can load it and test.
The tools that do the workCadem CAPSMilljob descriptions
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Store programs on media
+Store the finished CNC programs for job 427B onto a backed-up USB stick, label the media with job number and…
Store programs on media
+Store the finished CNC programs for job 427B onto a backed-up USB stick, label the media with job number and revision, verify each file runs on the controller simulator, then place the stick in the locked program cabinet before shift end.
The tools that do the workBobCAD-CAMjob descriptions
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Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications
+Review job order 512A, the machinist drawing, and the printed tolerance notes, list unclear dimensions or…
Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications
+Review job order 512A, the machinist drawing, and the printed tolerance notes, list unclear dimensions or material questions, then flag the order for talking to engineering before I set up the machine tomorrow morning.
The tools that do the workAutodesk AutoCADjob descriptions
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Compare encoded tapes or printouts with original part specifications
+Compare the punched tape printout for batch 300 with the part specification sheet and the original operator…
Compare encoded tapes or printouts with original part specifications
+Compare the punched tape printout for batch 300 with the part specification sheet and the original operator drawing, mark any mismatches, and hand the marked copies to maintenance for controller calibration if codes differ.
The tools that do the work1CadCam Unigraphicsjob descriptions
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Retest programs to ensure problems are resolved
+Re-run the revised program for part 89C on the simulator, step through the toolpaths where the fault…
Retest programs to ensure problems are resolved
+Re-run the revised program for part 89C on the simulator, step through the toolpaths where the fault occurred, confirm the corrected moves remove the collision risk, then log the test results and release the program for a live dry run.
The tools that do the workCadem CAPSMilljob descriptions
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Program milling machines
+Program the three-axis milling sequence for bracket job 210 using the customer drawing and tool list, set…
Program milling machines
+Program the three-axis milling sequence for bracket job 210 using the customer drawing and tool list, set feeds and speeds for the specified alloy, generate the NC code, and save a labeled run file for the morning shift.
The tools that do the workBobCAD-CAMESCO
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Read tooling instructions
+Read the tooling instructions for setup 14, confirm required inserts, collets and coolant type are available,…
Read tooling instructions
+Read the tooling instructions for setup 14, confirm required inserts, collets and coolant type are available, note any missing items on the setup sheet, and leave the sheet with the shift foreman before starting the run.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordESCO
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Says who?
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Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses
Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses