Changing shape

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.

AI Resistance Index 15 of 99

Among the careers AI is changing fastest: more resilient than 15% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is moderate (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it high), and US jobs are projected to change by -9.4% by 2035, expected to shrink. The work leans on physical dexterity.

AI can do many of the tasks, and hiring is expected to grow slower than average or to shrink. The job is likely to change, so build the human parts of it.

Median pay (2025): $50,690
Job growth to 2035: -9.4%
Openings a year: 12,500
People doing it (2025): 170,000
Usual route in: High school diploma, then moderate on-the-job training

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Where people already use AI for this work

Program computer systems or production equipment
Adjust equipment to ensure adequate performance
Set up equipment

From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).

Work AI rarely helps with

Monitor equipment operation
Repair tools or equipment
Disassemble equipment

What the work looks like

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.

From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.

What the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects

Fewer of these jobs, as computer-controlled machine tool programmers are able to control more machines at once, which means fewer operators are needed to handle them.

Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook

MachinistsHuman edge, steady, Index 52, +1.0%
Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblersHuman edge, steady, Index 46, -5.6%
Patternmakers, metal and plasticHuman edge, steady, Index 25, -22.8%
Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tendersHuman edge, steady, Index 43, -8.9%

Also known as: CNC Machine Operator (Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator), CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist), CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator), Machine Operator, CNC Gear Operator (Computer Numerical Control Gear Operator), CNC Lathe Operator (Computer Numerical Control Lathe Operator), CNC Mill Operator (Computer Numerical Control Mill Operator), CNC Set Up Operator (Computer Numerical Control Set Up Operator).

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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.