AI exposure score

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators score 25 out of 100, which is moderate exposure to AI. That ranks #581 of 923 US occupations, where #1 is the most exposed. Of the 27 tasks in this job, AI could speed up 6 on its own and 2 more with extra software built on top of it. In April–May 2026, 3 of these tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, Anthropic's AI assistant.

25/ 100

Moderate

Rank: #581of 923 jobs
US workers: 169,450BLS, May 2025
Median pay: $50,690a year
In real AI use: 3 of 27tasks, April–May 2026

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Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

AI can speed this up on its own: 6 (22%)
AI can speed this up with extra software: 2 (7%)
Little or no AI speed-up: 19 (70%)

Transfer commands from servers to computer numerical control (CNC) modules, using computer network links.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Enter commands or load control media, such as tapes, cards, or disks, into machine controllers to retrieve programmed instructions.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Modify cutting programs to account for problems encountered during operation, and save modified programs.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Calculate machine speed and feed ratios and the size and position of cuts.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Implement changes to machine programs, and enter new specifications, using computers.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Write simple programs for computer-controlled machine tools.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
Review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Examine electronic components for defects or completeness of laser-beam trimming, using microscopes.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Check to ensure that workpieces are properly lubricated and cooled during machine operation.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Insert control instructions into machine control units to start operation.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
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.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Remove and replace dull cutting tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Monitor machine operation and control panel displays, and compare readings to specifications to detect malfunctions.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Adjust machine feed and speed, change cutting tools, or adjust machine controls when automatic programming is faulty or if machines malfunction.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Lift workpieces to machines manually or with hoists or cranes.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Stack or load finished items, or place items on conveyor systems.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Control coolant systems.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Maintain machines and remove and replace broken or worn machine tools, using hand tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Confer with supervisors or programmers to resolve machine malfunctions or production errors or to obtain approval to continue production.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Set up future jobs while machines are operating.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Clean machines, tooling, or parts, using solvents or solutions and rags.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Input initial part dimensions into machine control panels.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
Lay out and mark areas of parts to be shot peened and fill hoppers with shot.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

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Questions about computer numerically controlled tool operators and AI

Will AI replace computer numerically controlled tool operators?

Unlikely. Most of the work is hard for today's AI to speed up. Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators score 25 out of 100 (moderate exposure), #581 of 923 US jobs. AI could speed up 8 of the job's 27 tasks, 6 of them on its own, while 19 see little or no speed-up. Exposure means the work is likely to change, not that the job will disappear.

Which computer numerically controlled tool operators tasks can AI do?

The most exposed tasks include "Transfer commands from servers to computer numerical control (CNC) modules, using computer network links"; "Enter commands or load control media, such as tapes, cards, or disks, into machine controllers to retrieve programmed instructions"; "Modify cutting programs to account for problems encountered during operation, and save modified programs".

Which computer numerically controlled tool operators tasks are hardest for AI?

Tasks with little or no AI speed-up include "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".

Are people already using AI for this work?

Yes. In April–May 2026, 3 of the 27 tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, according to the Anthropic Economic Index.

How many people work as computer numerically controlled tool operators, and what do they earn?

About 169,450 people in the US, with median pay of $50,690 a year (BLS, May 2025).

How to read this score. Exposure measures how much of the work AI could speed up, not whether the job will disappear. A highly exposed job can change shape, with people spending less time on routine tasks and more on the rest. The score counts tasks AI can speed up on its own in full, and tasks that need extra software at half weight.

The ratings come from published research based on GPT-4 (2023). To show what's happening now, each task is also checked against the latest Anthropic Economic Index, which records which tasks people actually use AI for. That data is refreshed automatically when Anthropic publishes a new release. Read the full method.