Numerical Control Machine Operators
Description OES Code: 91502
Numerical Control Machine Operators typically set up and operate multi-purpose computer numerically controlled machines (CNC machines) to perform any combination of machining operations, such as milling, drilling, reaming, or broaching metal work pieces to specifications.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $10.89
25th Percentile $12.58
50th Percentile $16.04
75th Percentile $20.09

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $11.89
25th Percentile $13.93
50th Percentile $15.42
75th Percentile $16.91

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Numerical Control Machine Operators work a 40 hour work week, but overtime is common during periods of increased production. Many shops have more than one shift, therefore, some Operators may work nights and weekends. Wages are determined by the machinist's skill, the type of work done, and the existence of a union agreement.

Fringe benefits such as retirement plans, health and dental care, paid leave for vacations, holidays and illness are usually offered.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 8,300
Projected Employment 2008 11,600
Percent Change 1998-2008 39.8%
Separations 1998-2008 2,200

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 90
Projected Employment 2006 110
Percent Change 1999-2006 22.2%
Separations 1999-2006 20

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
CNC Machine Operators work indoors in a clean, well lighted, and ventilated environment. Because workers are exposed to flying particles of metal and plastic from the operation of high-powered machinery, they need to wear protective safety glasses. Even though better designed machine tools have reduced noise levels in shops, Operators must still wear earplugs for protection. Some Machine Operators may wear face masks to protect themselves from dangerous fumes or dust.

Advancement
Advancement may occur in the form of salary increases, greater responsibility, or higher level jobs as supervisors and inspectors. Advancement potential also exists for promotion to Numerical Control Programmer positions for Operators who take junior college mathematics courses through solid analytical geometry.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Job seekers should submit applications directly to employers. Most employers accept applications. Job openings can also be learned from friends or relatives working at particular plants. Jobs may also be found through private recruiting agencies. Unions and associations may also be a source for finding jobs with certain employers.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Most Numerical Control Machine Operators learn their skills on the job. Under the supervision of an experienced Operator, they are taught how to run one or more kinds of CNC machines within a few months. Most employers prefer to hire applicants with a high school education who can read, write, and speak English. Job applicants with good communication and interpersonal skills, who possess mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity, and machinery experience are at an advantage. If an employer expects an Operator to write computer programs, trainees may attend programming courses offered by technical schools.

Skills & Other Requirements
Among skills that rank high for numerical control machine operators are the ability to adhere to safety procedures, analyze tasks needed to complete machined metal products, apply basic math, apply metal shaping processes and quality assurance techniques, assemble metal components, coordinate production materials & processes, exploit properties of metals, file metal or plastic, hand tap materials, lay out machining projects, move / lift heavy objects, operate lathes, operate precision measuring tools, metal shaping machines, read blueprints / technical drawings, read / follow complex instructions, recognize characteristics of metals, set up specialized machines for metals manufacturing, test operating procedures in plastics manufacturing, use hand tools, power tools, use trigonometry, estimate materials for production, fit dowels, mix and apply protective coatings to products, operate grinding and shaping/ forming machines, read operating manuals, solve machine tool problems, and use fire suppression methods in industrial emergencies.

References
California Occupational Guide #548

Related Occupations: Machinists & Machine Tool Specialists

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)