Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
Production Occupations- O*NET-SOC code
- 51-9161.00
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.
- Data source: BLSPublished: 2026-08
High· relative
LowFour relative bandsVery highGroup-level value
Scale, basis and source
Four relative bands (Low / Moderate / High / Very high)
831 detailed occupations in the BLS Employment Projections table. Assigned per National Employment Matrix (NEM) code, so occupations sharing a NEM code carry the same band
- Data source: AnthropicPublished: 2026-03
0.022
0.000Range of values carried here0.745Scale, basis and source
Observed exposure index, 0–1 as published
Mapped onto O*NET tasks
Published per SOC 2018 occupation; every O*NET occupation with the same SOC 2018 code carries this value
- Data source: ILOPublished: 2025
0.12–0.18· 2 ISCO-08 groups
Scale, basis and source
Generative AI exposure index, 0–1 as published
Published per ISCO-08 unit group. Linked to this occupation, wholly or in part, by applying U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (ISCO-08 to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to 2018 SOC) as published
What kind of figure this source publishes
The BLS category is a relative rank, not an absolute level, and it is not a first-hand measurement: it groups an occupation's percentile ranks across several published studies into four bands. It is not an employment or wage forecast, not a probability of adoption, and it does not separate automation from augmentation.
ILO value for each linked ISCO-08 group
- ISCO-08 7223Metal Working Machine Tool Setters and Operators0.18
- ISCO-08 9329Manufacturing Labourers Not Elsewhere Classified0.12
Task-level exposure
Show 22 hidden tasks27 rated tasks · 8 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (29.6%)
β = direct exposure (E1) + 0.5 × exposure when tools are available (E2), per the source repository's definition.
- Source unit: O*NET 27.2 tasks → O*NET 31.0 occupation code
- All rated tasks are in the O*NET 31.0 task list.
- Source
- OpenAI "GPTs are GPTs" exposure rubric
- Release
- gh-main-0471612
- License
- MIT License, Copyright (c) 2024 OpenAI
Tasks of O*NET-SOC 2010 occupation 51-4011.00 Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic, linked to this occupation by the O*NET-SOC 2010 to 2019 crosswalk
| Task (O*NET 20.1) | Claude.aiRaw / share % |
|---|---|
Implement changes to machine programs and enter new specifications, using computers.51-4011.00 | 0.061866.7 |
Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.51-4011.00 | 0.010211.0 |
Enter commands or load control media, such as tapes, cards, or disks, into machine controllers to retrieve programmed instructions.51-4011.00 | 0.00919.8 |
Write simple programs for computer-controlled machine tools.51-4011.00 | 0.00778.3 |
Review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences.51-4011.00 | 0.00394.2 |
Values in this tab are predicted labels, not observations. Eloundou et al. (2023) published two rating regimes — human raters and GPT-4 — and the β shown here is derived from the GPT-4 rater basis alone; the same task can take a different value under the other regime. The unit and the meaning differ from the observed shares (%) in the other tabs, so do not place them on the same axis.
| Task (O*NET 27.2) | βE1 + 0.5 × E2 |
|---|---|
Modify cutting programs to account for problems encountered during operation, and save modified programs.O*NET Task ID 11939 | 1.0 |
Calculate machine speed and feed ratios and the size and position of cuts.O*NET Task ID 11940 | 1.0 |
Enter commands or load control media, such as tapes, cards, or disks, into machine controllers to retrieve programmed instructions.O*NET Task ID 11952 | 1.0 |
Transfer commands from servers to computer numerical control (CNC) modules, using computer network links.O*NET Task ID 11953 | 1.0 |
Implement changes to machine programs, and enter new specifications, using computers.O*NET Task ID 11955 | 1.0 |
Write simple programs for computer-controlled machine tools.O*NET Task ID 11956 | 1.0 |
Review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences.O*NET Task ID 11946 | 0.5 |
Examine electronic components for defects or completeness of laser-beam trimming, using microscopes.O*NET Task ID 11957 | 0.5 |
β = E1 + 0.5 × E2 · E1 = tasks where direct LLM access alone cuts time by at least 50%, E2 = tasks where software built on top of an LLM cuts time by at least 50%. Values take only 0 / 0.5 / 1.0.
Data sources & licenses — O*NET®, Anthropic Economic Index, Eloundou et al. (2023): see full notices on the Credits page
All O*NET 31.0 task statements (27)
All O*NET 31.0 task statements for this occupation (English, as published; task type core or supplemental). Exposure values are not listed here; they are in the table above, next to each task statement as worded in the O*NET version each source used.
| Task (O*NET 31.0) | Type |
|---|---|
| Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures. | Core |
| Remove and replace dull cutting tools. | Core |
| Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments. | Core |
| 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. | Core |
| Adjust machine feed and speed, change cutting tools, or adjust machine controls when automatic programming is faulty or if machines malfunction. | Core |
| Stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences. | Core |
| Lift workpieces to machines manually or with hoists or cranes. | Core |
| Modify cutting programs to account for problems encountered during operation, and save modified programs. | Core |
| Calculate machine speed and feed ratios and the size and position of cuts. | Core |
| Insert control instructions into machine control units to start operation. | Core |
| Check to ensure that workpieces are properly lubricated and cooled during machine operation. | Core |
| Input initial part dimensions into machine control panels. | Core |
| Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces. | Core |
| Confer with supervisors or programmers to resolve machine malfunctions or production errors or to obtain approval to continue production. | Core |
| Review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences. | Core |
| Monitor machine operation and control panel displays, and compare readings to specifications to detect malfunctions. | Core |
| Control coolant systems. | Core |
| Maintain machines and remove and replace broken or worn machine tools, using hand tools. | Core |
| Stack or load finished items, or place items on conveyor systems. | Core |
| Clean machines, tooling, or parts, using solvents or solutions and rags. | Core |
| Transfer commands from servers to computer numerical control (CNC) modules, using computer network links. | Core |
| Set up future jobs while machines are operating. | Core |
| Implement changes to machine programs, and enter new specifications, using computers. | Core |
| Write simple programs for computer-controlled machine tools. | Core |
| Enter commands or load control media, such as tapes, cards, or disks, into machine controllers to retrieve programmed instructions. | Supplemental |
| Examine electronic components for defects or completeness of laser-beam trimming, using microscopes. | Supplemental |
| Lay out and mark areas of parts to be shot peened and fill hoppers with shot. | Supplemental |
1.00/ 3· Robot exposure index
Scale, basis and source
Each physical task is graded 0–3 by the setting in which robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated could do it (0 none · 1 purpose-built robot settings such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line · 2 structured facilities such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port · 3 unstructured settings such as a private home or a construction site), and the grades are averaged by share of working time
Physical tasks among this occupation's O*NET 29.3 tasks
Anthropic estimated the grades and time shares with Claude Opus 5 using web search, as of 2026.
The robot exposure index is a different measure from the AI exposure figures on this site and cannot be added to or compared with them. It does not measure actual adoption or cost, and 0 also covers occupations with no physical tasks.
Tier of each physical task
Robot environment tiers (E0–E3)
E0 noneDetails
Rated not doable by robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated, even in a purpose-built setting
E1 purpose-built robot settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting built around the machine, such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line
E2 structured facilitiesDetails
Rated doable in a human work facility that an institution keeps to a working standard, such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port
E3 unstructured settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting that no institution keeps to a working standard, such as a private home or a construction site
Only tasks classified as physical are listed; other tasks have no tier in the source.
| Task (O*NET 29.3) | Robot environment tier |
|---|---|
| Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Remove and replace dull cutting tools. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| 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. | E2 structured facilities |
| Adjust machine feed and speed, change cutting tools, or adjust machine controls when automatic programming is faulty or if machines malfunction. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Lift workpieces to machines manually or with hoists or cranes. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Insert control instructions into machine control units to start operation. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Check to ensure that workpieces are properly lubricated and cooled during machine operation. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Monitor machine operation and control panel displays, and compare readings to specifications to detect malfunctions. | E2 structured facilities |
| Control coolant systems. | E2 structured facilities |
| Maintain machines and remove and replace broken or worn machine tools, using hand tools. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Stack or load finished items, or place items on conveyor systems. | E2 structured facilities |
| Clean machines, tooling, or parts, using solvents or solutions and rags. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Set up future jobs while machines are operating. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Examine electronic components for defects or completeness of laser-beam trimming, using microscopes. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Lay out and mark areas of parts to be shot peened and fill hoppers with shot. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
Occupation information
Employment outlook (BLS)
- Employment, 2025
- 170K
- Projected employment, 2035
- 154K
- Change (2025–35)
- -9.4%
- Median annual wage, 2025
- $50,690
- Typical education needed for entry
- High school diploma or equivalent
Korea classification links (KSCO)
Links from the current release of the Korea Occupation Direct Crosswalk v1.1, made by AI Changing Work. Relation values are read from the O*NET-SOC occupation side.
| KSCO code | KSCO title | Relation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85107 | 머시닝센터 조작원 | This occupation is broader | confirmed |
| 85302 | 산업용로봇 조작원 | Overlapping, not the same | reviewed |
| 89905 | 3D 프린터 조작원 | Overlapping, not the same | confirmed |
Relation and status definitions(kr-direct v1.1)
ILO occupational description
AI Changing Work links the ISCO-08 unit groups below to this occupation by applying the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (2018 SOC to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to ISCO-08) as published, without case-by-case selection; each link may be whole or partial.
- ISCO-08 7223Metal Working Machine Tool Setters and Operators
- ISCO-08 9329Manufacturing Labourers Not Elsewhere Classified
Sources: ILO ISCO-08 — details: Credits
ESCO occupational vocabulary
Each entry below is matched to this occupation in the published ESCO-O*NET Crosswalk (version 1, 2022). The match types are that crosswalk's; the wording is AI Changing Work's.
- computer numerical control machine operatorESCO 7223.4Same scope
Computer numerical control machine operators set-up, maintain and control a computer numerical control machine in order to execute the product orders. They are responsible for programming the machines, ensuring the required parameters and measurements are met while maintaining the quality and safety standards.
- deburring machine operatorESCO 8122.5This occupation is broader
Deburring machine operators set up and tend mechanical deburring machines designed to strip metal workpieces of their rough edges, or burrs, by hammering over their surfaces in order to smoothen them or to roll over their edges in case of uneven slits or sheers in order to flatten them into the surface.
- gear machinistESCO 7223.8This occupation is broader
Gear machinists make precision parts for gears and other driving elements. They use a variety of machine tools.
- lathe and turning machine operatorESCO 7223.4.4This occupation is broader
Lathe and turning machine operators set up, program and tend lathe and turning machines designed to cut excess metal from a metal workpiece using a hardened cutting tool moved by computer-controlled motors. They read lathe and turning machine blueprints and tooling instructions, perform regular machine maintenance, and make adjustments to the lathe controls, such as the depth of cuts and the rotation speed.
- metal planer operatorESCO 7223.12This occupation is broader
Metal planer operators set up and operate a planer, which is a metalworking machine designed to cut excess material from a metal workpiece using linear relative motion between the planer's cutting tool and the workpiece in order to create a linear toolpath and cut.
- milling machine operatorESCO 7223.4.6This occupation is broader
Milling machine operators set up, program and control milling machines, designed to cut excess material from metal workpieces using a computer-controlled rotary-cutting, milling cutter. They read milling machine blueprints and tooling instructions, perform regular machine maintenance, and make adjustments to the milling controls, such as the depth of cuts or the rotation speed.
- screw machine operatorESCO 7223.19This occupation is broader
Screw machine operators set up and tend mechanical screw machines designed to manufacture (threaded) screws out of processed metal workpieces, specifically small- to medium-sized ones that have been turned by a lathe and turn machine.
- tool and die makerESCO 7222.5This occupation is broader
Tool and die makers operate a variety of equipment and machinery designed to create metal tools and dies, which are both needed in several areas of manufacturing, and produce these tools in all steps of the production process. They design the tools and dies, then cut and shape them to size and finish them by manually operated machine tools, power tools, hand tools, or programming and tending CNC tool and die making machines.
- numerical tool and process control programmerESCO 2514.4Overlapping, not the same
Numerical tool and process control programmers develop computer programs to control automatic machines and equipment involved in manufacturing processes. They analyse blueprints and job orders, conduct computer simulations and trial runs.
Source: European Commission, DG EMPL — ESCO API 2026-08-08 (bridge v1.2.1)
License: CC BY 4.0 (EU Reuse Notice)
ESCO reuse terms and the modification notice are in Credits.
France classification links (ROME)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and ROME 4.0 job profiles, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side. Links marked “provisional” were adopted on the judgments of two judges from the same model family (Claude) alone, or by an operator rule applied to their judgments, so they rest on weaker evidence than confirmed links.
| ROME code | ROME title (French) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| H2903 | Usineur / Usineuse | This occupation is narrowerprovisional |
| H2905 | Cisailleur / Cisailleuse en métallurgie | Related, not a matchprovisional |
| H2912 | Régleur / Régleuse d'équipements industriels | Related, not a matchprovisional |
Source: France Travail — Répertoire Opérationnel des Métiers et des Emplois (ROME 4.0), version 61, last updated 15 June 2026 (https://www.data.gouv.fr/datasets/repertoire-operationnel-des-metiers-et-des-emplois-rome). Licence Ouverte 2.0.
ROME codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET-SOC occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a France Travail correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: fr-direct v1)
Spain classification links (CNO-11)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and CNO-11 occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| CNO-11 code | CNO-11 title (Spanish) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 7323 | Ajustadores y operadores de máquinas-herramienta | This occupation is narrower |
Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), National Classification of Occupations 2011 (CNO-11, Royal Decree 1591/2010) — www.ine.es · Licensed CC BY 4.0. CNO-11 codes and Spanish titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not an INE correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: es-direct v1)
Germany classification links (KldB)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and KldB occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| KldB code | KldB title (German) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 24232 | Berufe in der spanenden Metallbearbeitung - fachlich ausgerichtete Tätigkeiten | This occupation is narrower |
| 24201 | Berufe in der Metallbearbeitung (ohne Spezialisierung) - Helfer-/Anlerntätigkeiten | Related, not a match |
Source: © Statistik der Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Klassifikation der Berufe 2010 – überarbeitete Fassung 2020, https://statistik.arbeitsagentur.de. KldB codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own mapping (eigene Zuordnung) and are not a Bundesagentur für Arbeit correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: de-direct v1)
Japan classification links (JSCO)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and JSCO occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| JSCO code | JSCO title (Japanese) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 523 | 金属工作機械作業従事者 | This occupation is narrower |
| 493 | 金属工作設備制御・監視員 | Related, not a match |
Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), Japan Standard Occupational Classification (Dec. 2009, MIC Notification No. 555). JSCO codes and Japanese titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a MIC correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: jp-direct v1)
Sources, licenses and AI Changing Work's modification and translation notices for this page: Credits & sources