Will “Computer Numerical Control Operator (CNC Operator)” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

84% Chance of Automation

“Computer Numerical Control Operator (CNC Operator)” will probably be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #477 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.

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Job Description

Set up, operate, or tend lathe and turning machines to turn, bore, thread, form, or face metal or plastic materials, such as wire, rod, or bar stock.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 51-4034.00
The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 39,630.00
The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 19.00
Currently, there are 33,850 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Computer Numerical Control Operator (CNC Operator)”

Study blueprints, layouts or charts, and job orders for information on specifications and tooling instructions, and to determine material requirements and operational sequences.
Adjust machine controls and change tool settings to keep dimensions within specified tolerances.
Inspect sample workpieces to verify conformance with specifications, using instruments such as gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators.
Select cutting tools and tooling instructions, according to written specifications or knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
Replace worn tools, and sharpen dull cutting tools and dies using bench grinders or cutter-grinding machines.
Position, secure, and align cutting tools in toolholders on machines, using hand tools, and verify their positions with measuring instruments.
Compute unspecified dimensions and machine settings, using knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
Move controls to set cutting speeds and depths and feed rates, and to position tools in relation to workpieces.
Move toolholders manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to feed tools to and along workpieces.
Install holding fixtures, cams, gears, and stops to control stock and tool movement, using hand tools, power tools, and measuring instruments.
Start lathe or turning machines and observe operations to ensure that specifications are met.
Turn valve handles to direct the flow of coolant onto work areas or to coat disks with spinning compounds.
Refill, change, and monitor the level of fluids, such as oil and coolant, in machines.
Mount attachments, such as relieving or tracing attachments, to perform operations such as duplicating contours of templates or trimming workpieces.
Lift metal stock or workpieces manually or using hoists, and position and secure them in machines, using fasteners and hand tools.
Crank machines through cycles, stopping to adjust tool positions and machine controls to ensure specified timing, clearances, and tolerances.

Related Technology & Tools

Vertical turning centers
Height setters
Gang-tool lathes
Protective ear plugs
Lathe chucks
Carbide cutting inserts
Hand taps
Face/turn tools
Bevel protractors
Face shields
Lubrication guns
Threading tools
Fork trucks
Boring heads
Open end hand wrenches
Outside digital OD calipers
Surface finish comparators
Straight edges
Coordinate measuring machines CMM
Ball peen hammers
Oil dispensing cans
Electric overhead travelling EOT cranes
Groove tools
Vernier height gauges
Combination square sets
Bar feeders
Multispindle lathes
Center finders
Jib hoists
Digital micrometers
Vertical machining centers
Straight screwdrivers
Steel squares
Safety gloves
Plug gauges
Parting off tool holders
Digital radius gauges
Mechanical edge finders
Tapping tools
Allen wrench sets
Profile projectors
Center-cutting end mills
Tool probes
Steel rules
Push-pull rules
Automatic tool changers
Inside digital ID calipers
Screw pitch gauge
Gage blocks
Computer numerically controlled CNC lathes
1-2-3 blocks
T handle tap wrenches
Coaxial indicators
Vernier calipers
Automatic turret lathes
Mobile radios
Trammels
Bench grinders
Power hacksaws
Capstan lathes
Parting off tools
Go/no go gauge sets
Electronic edge finders
Swiss-style lathes
Horizontal lathes
Swiss turning centers
Spanner wrenches
Precision milling vises
Dial test indicators
Mini hacksaws
Drill gauge sets
Machinists' taper gauges
Protective safety glasses
Cutoff tools
Crescent wrenches
Sine bars
Rubber mallets
Bore gauges

Autodesk HSMWorks
M-code
Inventory tracking software
G-code
Computer numerical control CNC editor software