Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators

Most exposed tasks

Highest structured exposure values in this role’s task mix — the work AI systems can already do most of.

• Calculate machine speed and feed ratios and the size and position of cuts.75
• Implement changes to machine programs, and enter new specifications, using computers.73
• Check to ensure that workpieces are properly lubricated and cooled during machine operation.66

Augmentable tasks

Work where AI assists rather than replaces — the productivity frontier of this role.

• Review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences.58
• Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces.57
• Modify cutting programs to account for problems encountered during operation, and save modified programs.57

Most durable tasks

Lowest exposure — typically judgment, relationships, physical presence, or accountability. This is the human moat.

The current data release does not distinguish durable tasks for this role.

Task exposure values and classifications come from the versioned data release — they are structured data, not model output. Bars show exposure contribution relative to this role’s task mix.

What this means

A score of 59 puts Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators in the third quartile of analyzed occupations. In practice, exposure this high is about the mix: 8 of 20 analyzed tasks lean automatable, 12 augmentable, and 0 durable. The useful question isn’t “will AI take this job” — it’s which tasks go first, which get faster, and where to reposition time. That’s what the personalized report maps against your actual week.

One next move: audit how much of your week sits in the exposed tasks above — then shift time toward the durable set or investigate the adjacent roles below.

Lower-exposure adjacent roles

Shown only when the target is at least 10 points lower under the same score version and skill overlap is at least 50%. These are adjacent roles with lower task exposure — not guaranteed “safe careers”.

Labor-market context

• $50,690median wage
• 169,450employed
• 13,500annual openings
• -10.7%projected growth

Context only — labor statistics are not inputs to the exposure score. See methodology.

Related roles

Adjacent by skills or family — no exposure claim implied.

• Machinists 50
• Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 52
• Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers 65
• Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 49
• Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 47
• Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners 40

FAQ — Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators

What does a score of 59 mean for a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators?

It means that, weighted across the 20 tasks we analyzed for this role, the task mix sits at 59 on a 0–100 exposure scale — in the third quartile of analyzed occupations. It measures task exposure to current and near-term AI capabilities, not the probability of losing a job.

Which tasks in this role are most exposed to AI?

The highest-exposure tasks are: Calculate machine speed and feed ratios and the size and position of cuts; Implement changes to machine programs, and enter new specifications, using computers; Check to ensure that workpieces are properly lubricated and cooled during machine operation. Exposure is scored per task from structured data, not generated by a language model.

Which parts of this job are most durable?

The current data release does not distinguish durable tasks for this role.

Is this score personalized to me?

No — this page shows the occupation-level baseline. Two people with the same title often do different work. The $9 personalized report recalculates the score from the tasks you actually do and builds a concrete 7/30/90-day plan around them.