Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator Salary in 2026

    SOC: 51-9161.00 · BLS OEWS 2026 · Updated March 2026
    Median Annual
    $49,970
    per year
    Salary Range
    $37K – $71K
    P10–P90
    Total Jobs
    176,950
    employed
    Job Growth
    -10.7%
    2024–2034
    Section 01

    How Much Do Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Make?

    Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators earn a median annual salary of $49,970 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $37,160 at the 10th percentile to $71,160 at the 90th percentile — a range of $34,000. The highest-paying state is Washington at $104,120.

    PercentileAnnual salary
    10th percentile$37,160
    25th percentile$42,710
    Median (50th)$49,970
    75th percentile$60,980
    90th percentile$71,160
    10th: $37,160Median: $49,97090th: $71,160
    Section 02

    Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator Salary by State

    Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.

    StateMedian salary
    Washingtontop$104,120
    Massachusetts$61,820
    North Dakota$61,610
    Maine$59,270
    New Jersey$56,750
    Pennsylvania$55,610
    Wisconsin$55,550
    New Hampshire$55,450
    California$55,250
    Minnesota$53,840
    Connecticut$53,760
    Wyoming$53,350
    Vermont$52,820
    North Carolina$52,740
    Maryland$52,000
    Oregon$51,330
    Rhode Island$51,090
    Colorado$50,900
    New York$50,610
    South Dakota$50,460
    Louisiana$50,400
    Nevada$50,350
    Iowa$50,250
    Nebraska$50,130
    South Carolina$49,830
    Alabama$49,430
    Missouri$49,260
    Oklahoma$48,820
    Arkansas$48,810
    Tennessee$48,710
    Arizona$48,650
    Ohio$48,100
    Illinois$48,010
    Kentucky$47,730
    Georgia$47,710
    Indiana$47,690
    Delaware$47,670
    Virginia$47,570
    Kansas$47,540
    Idaho$47,240
    Montana$47,210
    Texas$46,990
    Michigan$46,630
    West Virginia$45,900
    Utah$45,880
    Florida$45,290
    New Mexico$43,720
    Mississippi$39,870
    Section 03

    Highest-Paying Metros for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators

    Washington
    Highest paying
    $104,120
    top metro salary
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
    $104,120
    $0 vs highest
    Wilmington, NC
    $82,920
    $-21,200 vs highest
    Columbus, IN
    $64,700
    $-39,420 vs highest
    Asheville, NC
    $62,660
    $-41,460 vs highest
    Albany, OR
    $62,150
    $-41,970 vs highest
    Worcester, MA
    $61,970
    $-42,150 vs highest
    Vallejo, CA
    $61,900
    $-42,220 vs highest
    Section 04

    Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator Salary by Experience

    Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.

    Experience levelEstimated salary
    Entry level (0–2 yrs)~$37,160 – $42,710
    Mid career (3–7 yrs)~$49,970
    Experienced (8–15 yrs)~$60,980
    Senior (15+ yrs)$71,160+
    Section 05

    How to Earn More as a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator

    Location is the single biggest salary lever: Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators in Washington earn $104,120 — $54,150 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($60,980) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.

    Want to see if a different career pays more for your skills? PathScorer maps your experience against hundreds of occupations and shows you where you're most competitive. Try it free →

    Section 06

    Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator Salary vs Similar Careers

    CareerMedian salary
    Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operatorthis career$49,970
    Robotics Technician$70,760
    Industrial Machinery Mechanics$63,760
    Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler$61,680
    Electrical and Electronic Equipment AssemblerN/A

    Find out where you stand — free in 2 minutes

    PathScorer compares your skills to Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator requirements and shows you what you already qualify for — plus which similar careers pay more for your background.

    See how your skills compare — free
    Free to try No sign-up Based on O*NET data
    Section 07

    Frequently Asked Questions

    SOC: 51-9161.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.