CNC Machine Operator

BLS OEWS, May 2025, national. The matching BLS detailed occupation is Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators (51-9161).

BLS occupation title

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators

SOC code

51-9161

National employment

169,450

Median hourly wage

$24.37

Mean hourly wage

$26.11

Median annual wage

$50,690

Mean annual wage

$54,320

10th percentile hourly wage

$18.34

90th percentile hourly wage

$35.53

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 national estimates, https://www.bls.gov/oes/. Record: 51-9161.

What these figures are

National estimates for one BLS occupation across all employers, not a rate for any one job and not a statement about any shift pattern. The median is the wage at which half the workers in the occupation are above and half below. Where BLS does not publish a value, the page says so and does not estimate it.

Shift hours

Pay for a particular shift is arithmetic on the hours actually worked and the rate actually paid. The calculators do only that arithmetic: shift hours, hour totals split at 40, long shifts, shifts that end next day.