Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal And Plastic
Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal And Plastic operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic work pieces.
Table of contents
What they do
Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal And Plastic operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic work pieces.
- 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.
- Stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences.
- Transfer commands from servers to computer numerical control (CNC) modules, using computer network links.
Typical day
On a daily basis, CNC Machine Operators stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences. They measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.
A typical day for a Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operator, Metal and Plastic will also include:
- Maintain machines and remove and replace broken or worn machine tools, using hand tools.
- Control coolant systems.
- Clean machines, tooling, or parts, using solvents or solutions and rags.
- Lift workpieces to machines manually or with hoists or cranes.
- 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.
Other responsibilities
Besides their typical day, CNC Machine Operators also set up future jobs while machines are operating. They may also confer with supervisors or programmers to resolve machine malfunctions or production errors or to obtain approval to continue production.
On a weekly to monthly basis, CNC Machine Operators examine electronic components for defects or completeness of laser-beam trimming, using microscopes. They might also layout and mark areas of parts to be shot-peened and fill hoppers with a shot.
In addition, they write simple programs for computer-controlled machine tools.
Although specific duties may vary, many of them implement changes to machine programs, and enter new specifications, using computers.
To some CNC Machine Operators, it is also their responsibility to review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing finished workpiece dimensions or numerical control sequences.
What is the job like
Job satisfaction
Is this job meaningful
50% said they were satisfied with their job and 44% said they found their job meaningful.
Running the CNC is a vital part of our business and is one of the most valuable tools we have in our shop. It allows us to produce parts and pieces at a fraction of the time it would take to do by hand and cuts them to exact precision.
My job generally includes taking a client’s idea of a piece they want made for a project – furniture, display piece, logo, signs, etc – utilizing the technical drawings from our designers and setting up the cut procedures and operations for the CNC to execute. It’s always interesting because you’re never making the same item twice and it is rewarding to see you take a client’s idea and bring it to life.
On an average day, my responsibilities around the shop vary but most often I’m involved in running the digital fabrication and project management. This involves running the CNC & laser machine along with graphic preparation and layout.
Pros
The pros are the people I work with and that each day and project is unique and different so work never feels repetitive.
Cons
The cons are strenuous deadlines that happen with projects but ultimately leave you with a rewarding feeling when you finish a project and the client is happy.
Pros
Suitable for people who like practical and hands-on work.
Suitable for people who want to work in a supportive work environment.
This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.
It is not too difficult to get into this career. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
Cons
Not suitable for people who like to help and teach others.
Salary is below average.
Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week).
How much do they make
Average salary
Average hourly wage
Entry-level Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal And Plastic with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $28,750 to $34,500 per year or $14 to $17 per hour.
Salary by experience | Annual | Hourly |
---|---|---|
Highest (Top 10%) | $63,460 | $31 |
Senior (Top 25%) | $52,090 | $25 |
Median | $42,260 | $20 |
Junior (Bottom 25%) | $34,500 | $17 |
No experience (Bottom 10%) | $28,750 | $14 |
This table shows the top 10 highest paying industries for Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal And Plastic based on their average annual salary.
Salary by industry | Annual | Hourly |
---|---|---|
Scientific Research and Development Services | $58750 | $28.24 |
Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services | $55110 | $26.50 |
Motor Vehicle Manufacturing | $53890 | $25.91 |
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing | $50100 | $24.09 |
Specialized Design Services | $49960 | $24.02 |
Chemical Manufacturing | $49500 | $23.80 |
Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing | $49190 | $23.65 |
Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Repair and Maintenance | $48680 | $23.40 |
Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services | $47990 | $23.07 |
Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard Mills | $47530 | $22.85 |
View more salary by industries here.
Where can they work
Where can Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal And Plastic work? Here is a table showing the top 10 largest employers of Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal And Plastic including the average salary in that industry.
Employers | Total Employed | Annual Salary | Hourly Wages |
---|---|---|---|
Machine Shops; Turned Product; and Screw, Nut, and Bolt Manufacturing | 35820 | $43350 | $20.84 |
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing | 15330 | $43470 | $20.90 |
Machinery Manufacturing | 14400 | $46600 | $22.41 |
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing | 12290 | $50100 | $24.09 |
Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing | 12200 | $47090 | $22.64 |
Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing | 7550 | $42770 | $20.56 |
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing | 6090 | $43660 | $20.99 |
Plastics Product Manufacturing | 5410 | $43030 | $20.69 |
Employment Services | 4060 | $34620 | $16.64 |
Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing | 3280 | $42420 | $20.40 |
What is the work day like
Working hours
Working schedule
How often do you use email in this job?
Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Group discussions
How often do you have group discussions in this job?
Public speaking
How often does this job require you to do public speaking?
Level of competition
How much competitive pressure is in this job?
What is the work environment like
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
How to become one
Difficulty to become one
Required level of education
What level of education do you need to perform the job?
Relevant majors
Machine Shop Technology/Assistant
Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist
Relevant work experience
How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?
On The Job Training
How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?
Should you become one
Best personality type for this career
People with this personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.
People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.
People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.
People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.
People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tend to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.
Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.
Work Values
Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?
You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.
You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.
You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.
You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.
You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.
You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.
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