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Boston Career Explorer

Production

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators

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.

Also called: CNC Gear Operator (Computer Numerical Control Gear Operator), CNC Lathe Operator (Computer Numerical Control Lathe Operator), CNC Machine Operator (Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator), CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist), CNC Mill Operator (Computer Numerical Control Mill Operator), CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator)

Median pay in Greater Boston
$64,180
$30.85/hr
Jobs in Greater Boston
1,890
Massachusetts 2024–2034
−8.2%
190 openings a year
Typical U.S. entry requirement
High school diploma or equivalent
plus Moderate-term on-the-job training

Greater Boston: Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area, May 2025. Growth and openings: Massachusetts statewide projection.

Pay range in Greater Boston

Yearly pay in Greater Boston by percentile
10th25thMedian75th90th
$46,160$50,490$64,180$75,130$79,810

10% of workers earn less than the first figure and 10% earn more than the last.

What you’d do

  • Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.
  • Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces.
  • Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
  • Review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences.
  • Stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences.
  • 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.

AI and this job

AI exposure: how much of this job’s work AI tools can do or help with, based on national research. It is not a forecast of job loss.

Lower exposure21 of 100

The index averages three national research measures, each shown as a percentile of all jobs:

  • AIOE 16
  • Language-model AIOE 13
  • GPTs-are-GPTs 35

Observed AI use today: Some (Anthropic Economic Index)

AI exposure for this job is lower, and observed AI use is only some. AI tools can help with reading program specifications and blueprints and with planning machine sequences. They do not mount tools, align parts, or measure finished pieces by hand. Even so, Massachusetts job numbers are projected to fall 8.2% from 2024 to 2034, because programmers can control more machines at once and fewer operators are needed.

Likely to change

  • Reviewing program specs and blueprints
  • Planning machine operations and sequencing

Still relies on people

  • Mounting and aligning tools and workpieces
  • Measuring finished parts with precision instruments

What federal projections say

“Productivity change - share decreases as computer-controlled machine tool programmers are able to control more machines at once, which means fewer operators are needed to handle them.”
BLS Employment Projections 2025–35, factors affecting this job (U.S.)

Written with AI from the data on this page. Check with a career coach before making a decision.

Next steps from here

Related jobs that build on what you already do.

  • Industrial Machinery Mechanics

    Your machine setup and precision measuring skills carry over to repairing production machinery. The move offers higher pay ($75,200) and projected growth of 17.1%.

    Pay difference
    +$11,020 median
    AI exposure
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    MA growth
    +17.1%
    To get started
    High school diploma or equivalent

  • Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines

    Using precision tools and testing work against specifications carries over to repairing heavy equipment. It pays $76,770 and builds on your hands-on machine skills.

    Pay difference
    +$12,590 median
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    MA growth
    +4.9%
    To get started
    High school diploma or equivalent

  • Structural Iron and Steel Workers

    Reading blueprints and checking alignment with precision tools carries over to steel work. This apprenticeship trade has a Boston median pay of $120,840.

    Pay difference
    +$56,660 median
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    MA growth
    +6.1%
    To get started
    High school diploma or equivalent

Training near Boston

College and school programs in the Boston metro area that lead to this job, with 2023-24 completions (IPEDS).

2 programs near Boston

Related occupations

Talk to a career coach

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