Will “CNC Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist)” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

Job Description

Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.

Job Details

• The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 51-4081.00
• The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 36,190.00
• The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 17.00
• Currently, there are 117,300 people on this job

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

Also Known As…

• Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Set-Up Person
• Operator
• Machinist
• Machine Technician
• Machine Operator
• Die Setter
• CNC Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Operator)
• CNC Machine Setter (Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Setter)
• Cell Technician
• Utility Operator
• Trim Machine Operator
• Transfer Machine Operator
• Tool Operator
• Tool Machine Setup Operator
• Tool Gear Cutting Machine Set-Up Operator
• Test and Turn-Up Technician
• Straight Bevel Gear Generator Set-Up Operator
• Spring Manufacturing Set-Up Technician
• Spring Maker
• Spiral Bevel Gear Generator Set-Up Operator
• Shear Operator
• Rim Technician
• Rim Roller Operator
• Production Machine Tender
• Production Gear Cutting Machine Operator
• Ornamental Metal Worker Apprentice
• Ornamental Metal Worker
• Multi-operation Forming Machine Setter
• Multi-Operation Forming Machine Operator
• Metal and Plastic Transfer Machine Operator
• Metal and Plastic Combination Machine Tool Setter
• Metal and Plastic Combination Machine Tool Operator
• Manufacturing Operator
• Manufacturing Associate
• Manufacturing Assistant
• Machine Try-Out Setter
• Machine Tool Operator
• Machine Setter
• Machine Set-Up Technician
• Machine Set-Up Operator
• Loading Machine Tool Setter
• Injection Molding Technician
• Gunsmith
• Gear Shaver Set-Up Operator
• Gear Shaper Set-Up Operator
• Gear Milling Machine Set-Up Operator
• Gear Hobber Set-Up Operator
• Gear Cutting Machine Set-Up Operator
• Four-Slide Machine Setter
• Electrode Turner and Finisher
• Combination Machine Tool Setter
• Combination Machine Tool Operator
• CNC Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist)
• Centrifugal Control Switch Machine Operator
• Ballistics Laboratory Gunsmith
• Automatic Wheel-Line Operator

Tasks for “CNC Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist)”

• Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs.
• Start machines and turn handwheels or valves to engage feeding, cooling, and lubricating mechanisms.
• Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.
• Make minor electrical and mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines and notify supervisors when major service is required.
• Remove burrs, sharp edges, rust, or scale from workpieces, using files, hand grinders, wire brushes, or power tools.
• Instruct other workers in machine set-up and operation.
• Move controls or mount gears, cams, or templates in machines to set feed rates and cutting speeds, depths, and angles.
• Extract or lift jammed pieces from machines, using fingers, wire hooks, or lift bars.
• Align layout marks with dies or blades.
• Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.
• Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.
• Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, and auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces.
• Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools and brushes, using hand tools.
• Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists.
• Measure and mark reference points and cutting lines on workpieces, using traced templates, compasses, and rules.
• Set machine stops or guides to specified lengths as indicated by scales, rules, or templates.
• Select the proper coolants and lubricants and start their flow.
• Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments.
• Record operational data such as pressure readings, lengths of strokes, feed rates, and speeds.
• Compute data such as gear dimensions and machine settings, applying knowledge of shop mathematics.

Related Technology & Tools

• Hand grinders
• Band saws
• Safety glasses
• Polishing machines
• Desktop computers
• Straight screwdrivers
• Self-contained breathing apparatus
• Boring tools
• Lifting hooks
• Protective ear plugs
• Metal cutting taps
• Planing machines
• Locking pliers
• Injection molding machines
• Tangent benders
• Micrometers
• Metal cutting dies
• Templates
• Grease guns
• Wing benders
• Turning machines
• Grinding machines
• Single-cut mill saw files
• Power drills
• Milling machines
• Power press brakes
• Drafting scales
• Tube benders
• Blow-molding machines
• Punching machines
• Overhead cranes
• Buffing machines
• Face masks
• Power hoists
• Claw hammers
• Steel rules
• Robotic loading equipment
• Hand shears
• Slitting machines
• Mechanical booms
• Adjustable wrenches
• Lift bars
• Extruding machines
• Gear hobbers
• Wire brushes
• Lathe machines
• Height gauges
• Cutting machines
• Compasses
• Computer numerical controlled CNC milling machines

• Data entry software
• Microsoft Office
• Email software
• Word processing software
• Spreadsheet software
• Microsoft Excel