How to hire computer numerically controlled tool operators
A job description you can copy, interview questions tied to the real work, and what to pay. Free.
$24.37U.S. median hourly pay
$44,930–$61,760Middle half, yearly
169,450People in this job in the U.S.
Job description template
Copy it, fill in the brackets, and remove anything that does not fit your job. Keep only must-haves you would really turn someone away for.
[Job title] at [Company name] [City, State] · [Full-time / Part-time] · [Pay range] About the role [Two or three sentences about your team, the work and why it matters.] What you will do • Calculate machine speed and feed ratios and the size and position of cuts. • Implement changes to machine programs, and enter new specifications, using computers. • Listen to machines during operation to detect sounds such as those made by dull cutting tools or excessive vibration, and adjust machines to compensate for problems. • Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures. • Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments. • Review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences. • Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces. • Stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences. What you bring • [Required license, certification or years of experience, if any] • [Education, only if you truly need it. Typical to start in this job: High school diploma or equivalent] • Strong critical thinking, monitoring, active listening and speaking skills • Working knowledge of mathematics, production and processing and mechanical • [Anything else you would really turn someone away for] Pay and benefits [Pay range]. For reference, the U.S. median for this job is $24.37 an hour ($50,690 a year). [Benefits, schedule and anything else candidates should know.] How to apply [Apply on JAI Bot. Every applicant hears back.]
Interview questions for computer numerically controlled tool operators
Ask every candidate the same questions, in the same order, and write down what they say. Questions about past work show what someone has actually done.
- Tell me about a time you had to calculate machine speed and feed ratios and the size and position of cuts. What did you do, and how did it turn out?
- Tell me about a time you had to implement changes to machine programs, and enter new specifications, using computers. What did you do, and how did it turn out?
- Tell me about a time you had to listen to machines during operation to detect sounds such as those made by dull cutting tools or excessive vibration, and adjust machines to compensate for problems. What did you do, and how did it turn out?
- Tell me about a time you had to measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures. What did you do, and how did it turn out?
- Describe a decision at work where the obvious answer was wrong. How did you work out the better choice?
- How do you keep track of your own work quality during a busy shift or week? Give an example of catching a problem early.
- Tell me about a time you had to understand a request or problem that was explained poorly. How did you make sure you got it right?
- Why this job, and why now? What would make you stay here for the long term?
Good answers name a real situation, what the person did themselves and what happened. Avoid questions about age, family plans, religion, health, national origin or anything else unrelated to the job.
What computer numerically controlled tool operators do
- Calculate machine speed and feed ratios and the size and position of cuts.
- Implement changes to machine programs, and enter new specifications, using computers.
- Listen to machines during operation to detect sounds such as those made by dull cutting tools or excessive vibration, and adjust machines to compensate for problems.
- Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.
- Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
- Review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences.
- Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces.
- Stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences.
Skills that matter most
Education, experience and outlook for computer numerically controlled tool operators
- Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 1 to 2 years (O*NET)
- Training on the job: Moderate-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: -9.4% over ten years, declining · about 12,500 openings a year (BLS)
What to pay computer numerically controlled tool operators
Pay depends a lot on where the job is. Highest and lowest median yearly pay by state:
| State | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Washington | $107,920 |
| Massachusetts | $61,630 |
| Connecticut | $59,840 |
| New Hampshire | $59,730 |
| Vermont | $57,500 |
| Florida | $46,170 |
| Utah | $45,140 |
| Mississippi | $39,520 |
See computer numerically controlled tool operators pay in every state
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Post a job freePay by areaJob duties and skills: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. Pay: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2025. Interview questions and the job description template: JAI Bot, based on the duties and skills above.