Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
The short answer
This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to shrink over the next decade, with about 320 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.
How much AI could touch this job
Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about a quarter of this job's tasks.
What this means
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.
What AI can and can’t help with in this job
This job is in the second least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.
AI can help with or automate about 30% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Implement changes to machine programs, and enter new specifications, using computers.
AI could do much of this on its own
Calculate machine speed and feed ratios and the size and position of cuts.
AI could do much of this on its own
Transfer commands from servers to computer numerical control (CNC) modules, using computer network links.
AI could do much of this on its own
Modify cutting programs to account for problems encountered during operation, and save modified programs.
AI could do much of this on its own
Tasks AI can't do much of
Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
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 is unlikely to speed this up
Jobs you could switch to
If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.
See related jobs in
The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Very similar workslightly less pay50 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$51,917 vs your $54,556 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
New skills to build
- Administrative
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Very similar workslightly less pay360 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays slightly less—$51,031 vs your $54,556 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
- Operations Monitoring
- Production and Processing
- Control Precision
- Near Vision
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Very similar workslightly less pay191 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays slightly less—$50,811 vs your $54,556 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Control Precision
- Operations Monitoring
- Near Vision
- Operation and Control
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Machinists
Similar work+14% pay813 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 14% more—$62,314 vs your $54,556 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Control Precision
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Visualization
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Similar work+6% pay35 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 6% more—$57,855 vs your $54,556 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
- Operations Monitoring
- Production and Processing
- Mathematics
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Similar workslightly less pay58 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays slightly less—$53,272 vs your $54,556 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Production and Processing
- Near Vision
- Control Precision
- Visualization
- Operations Monitoring
New skills to build
- Administration and Management
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Similar workslightly less pay132 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays slightly less—$50,412 vs your $54,556 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Operation and Control
- Operations Monitoring
- Control Precision
- Near Vision
- Reaction Time
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Similar workslightly less pay139 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays slightly less—$50,043 vs your $54,556 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Production and Processing
- Control Precision
- Operations Monitoring
- Reaction Time
- Operation and Control
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Tool and Die Makers
Somewhat similar work+28% pay189 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 28% more—$69,633 vs your $54,556 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a postsecondary nondegree award, plus long-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Near Vision
- Control Precision
- Visualization
New skills to build
- Technology Design
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Somewhat similar work+31% pay4,530 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 31% more—$71,717 vs your $54,556 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
- Operation and Control
- Operations Monitoring
- Control Precision
- Near Vision
New skills to build
- Equipment Maintenance
- Repairing
- Troubleshooting
- Extent Flexibility