Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
Production Occupations- O*NET-SOC code
- 51-9162.00
Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.
- Data source: BLSPublished: 2026-08
Very 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
0.121
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
0.12–0.20· 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 7222Toolmakers and Related Workers0.20
- ISCO-08 9329Manufacturing Labourers Not Elsewhere Classified0.12
Task-level exposure
Show 11 hidden tasks16 rated tasks · 14 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (87.5%)
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
- 1 rated task is not in the O*NET 31.0 task list; its score is kept as published for O*NET 27.2.
- 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 51-4012.00 Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal and Plastic, linked to this occupation by the O*NET-SOC 2010 to 2019 crosswalk
| Task (O*NET 20.1) | Claude.aiRaw / share % | APIRaw / share % |
|---|---|---|
Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency.51-4012.00 | 0.496256.0 | 0.605054.9 |
Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.51-4012.00 | 0.234826.5 | 0.460841.8 |
Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.51-4012.00 | 0.151417.1 | 0.03623.3 |
Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media.51-4012.00 | 0.00390.4 | —0 |
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 |
|---|---|
Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.O*NET Task ID 11959 | 1.0 |
Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.O*NET Task ID 11960 | 1.0 |
Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures.O*NET Task ID 11962 | 1.0 |
Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.O*NET Task ID 11963 | 1.0 |
Enter coordinates of hole locations into program memories by depressing pedals or buttons of programmers.O*NET Task ID 11965 | 1.0 |
Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.O*NET Task ID 11966 | 1.0 |
Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency.O*NET Task ID 11967 | 1.0 |
Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media.O*NET Task ID 11968 | 1.0 |
Prepare geometric layouts from graphic displays, using computer-assisted drafting software or drafting instruments and graph paper.O*NET Task ID 11969 | 1.0 |
Write instruction sheets and cutter lists for a machine's controller to guide setup and encode numerical control tapes.O*NET Task ID 11970 | 1.0 |
Sort shop orders into groups to maximize materials utilization and minimize machine setup time.O*NET Task ID 11971 | 1.0 |
Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.O*NET Task ID 11961 | 0.5 |
Compare encoded tapes or computer printouts with original part specifications and blueprints to verify accuracy of instructions.O*NET Task ID 11964 | 0.5 |
Draw machine tool paths on pattern film according to guidelines for tool speed and efficiency, using colored markers.O*NET Task ID 11972 | 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 (16)
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 |
|---|---|
| Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes. | Core |
| Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved. | Core |
| Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates. | Core |
| Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures. | Core |
| Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications. | Core |
| Compare encoded tapes or computer printouts with original part specifications and blueprints to verify accuracy of instructions. | Core |
| Enter coordinates of hole locations into program memories by depressing pedals or buttons of programmers. | Core |
| Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks. | Core |
| Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency. | Core |
| Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media. | Core |
| Prepare geometric layouts from graphic displays, using computer-assisted drafting software or drafting instruments and graph paper. | Core |
| Sort shop orders into groups to maximize materials utilization and minimize machine setup time. | Core |
| Perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on machines. | Core |
| Order tooling for jobs. | Core |
| Write instruction sheets and cutter lists for a machine's controller to guide setup and encode numerical control tapes. | Supplemental |
| Align and secure pattern film on reference tables of optical programmers, and observe enlarger scope views of printed circuit boards. | Supplemental |
0.02/ 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 |
|---|---|
| Perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on machines. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Draw machine tool paths on pattern film according to guidelines for tool speed and efficiency, using colored markers. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
Occupation information
Employment outlook (BLS)
- Employment, 2025
- 29K
- Projected employment, 2035
- 30K
- Change (2025–35)
- +5.9%
- Median annual wage, 2025
- $68,120
- Typical education needed for entry
- Postsecondary nondegree award
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 | Related, not a match | 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 3139Process Control Technicians Not Elsewhere Classified
- ISCO-08 7222Toolmakers and Related Workers
- 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.
- numerical tool and process control programmerESCO 2514.4Same scope
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.
- computer numerical control machine operatorESCO 7223.4Overlapping, not the same
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.
- gear machinistESCO 7223.8Overlapping, not the same
Gear machinists make precision parts for gears and other driving elements. They use a variety of machine tools.
- lathe and turning machine operatorESCO 7223.4.4Overlapping, not the same
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 7223.12Overlapping, not the same
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 7223.4.6Overlapping, not the same
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.
- tool and die makerESCO 7222.5Overlapping, not the same
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| H1408 | Programmeur / Programmeuse en Conception de Fabrication Assistée par Ordinateur (CFAO) | This occupation is narrowerprovisional |
| H2903 | Usineur / Usineuse | 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 | Related, not a match |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 24233 | Berufe in der spanenden Metallbearbeitung - komplexe Spezialistentätigkeiten | Same scope |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 083 | 機械技術者（開発を除く） | Related, not a matchprovisional |
| 523 | 金属工作機械作業従事者 | Related, not a matchprovisional |
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