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US job code 51-9161High change by 2035

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators

Machines can already do 27% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 66%. The job changes before it disappears.

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Share of the work machines can do

Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050

100%75%50%25%20262035205027%Half: 2032

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators in 2026: the short answer

  • Today: machines can do 27% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 2% of them.
  • Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2032, and 66% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
  • Size: 169,450 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $50,690 a year.
  • Contact with people: it scores 57% for contact with people.
  • Also called: CNC Gear Operator (Computer Numerical Control Gear Operator), CNC Lathe Operator (Computer Numerical Control Lathe Operator), CNC Machine Operator (Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator), CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist).

Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.

Machines can do today
27%of the tasks, 2026
By 2035
66%half the tasks by 2032
US median pay
$50,690a year, May 2025
US jobs
169k169,450 people
Contact with people
57%how people-facing
Step 1AnticipateWhat is changing? Free to everyone

How the work changes, task by task

The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.

TaskShare of the dayMachines can do2026 to 2035
Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces20%
20% to 60%
Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures12%
20% to 60%
Monitor machine operation and control panel displays, and compare readings to specifications to detect malfunctions10%
30% to 75%
Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments9%
20% to 60%
Stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences9%
20% to 60%
Review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences4%
55% to 85%
Maintain machines and remove and replace broken or worn machine tools, using hand tools4%
20% to 60%
Clean machines, tooling, or parts, using solvents or solutions and rags4%
20% to 60%
Step 2AssessWhy should I care? Free to everyone

The skills this job runs on

The skills computer numerically controlled tool operators use most, most used first.

Professionalism and work ethicPhysical and manualTrade craftsAnalysis and dataOperations and processProduction and makingInterdisciplinary thinkingEngineering designCommunicationCritical thinking and problem solvingSelf-management

Safer jobs nearby

Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.

Step 3ActWhat do I do about it? Free plan and up
What do I do about it

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Questions

When will machines do half of the tasks of Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators?

Machines can do half of its tasks by 2032. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.

Will AI take the job of computer numerically controlled tool operators?

Machines can do 27% of the tasks of computer numerically controlled tool operators today and 66% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.

Sources and citing

Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 51-9161.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.

Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/computer-numerically-controlled-tool-operators/