Computer numerical controller machinist vs set-up operator

The differences between computer numerical controller machinists and set-up operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a computer numerical controller machinist, becoming a set-up operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a computer numerical controller machinist has an average salary of $41,685, which is higher than the $39,269 average annual salary of a set-up operator.

The top three skills for a computer numerical controller machinist include calipers, micrometers and manual lathes. The most important skills for a set-up operator are calipers, cnc machines, and hand tools.

Computer numerical controller machinist vs set-up operator overview

	Computer Numerical Controller Machinist	Set-Up Operator
Yearly salary	$41,685	$39,269
Hourly rate	$20.04	$18.88
Growth rate	1%	-8%
Number of jobs	32,345	55,670
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 39%	High School Diploma, 44%
Average age	48	43
Years of experience	4	2

What does a computer numerical controller machinist do?

A computer numerical controller machinist is responsible for operating computer-based equipment, creating new machine components by programming, and evaluating machine blueprints. Computer numerical controller machinists must have extensive knowledge of the technology industry to understand its complexities and define accurate solutions, as well as excellent analytical skills for calculation requirements. Other tasks include interpreting specifications and parameters, monitoring stock inventory, requesting operating tools, verifying accurate measurements, detecting machine malfunctions, and adhering to the safety standards and procedures of the operations area.

What does a set-up operator do?

A machine set-up operator operates machinery such as grinders, bores, and mills. They prepare machines to be used by organizing tools, setting valve directions, sharpening tools as needed, positioning tools, and conducting regular maintenance.

Computer numerical controller machinist vs set-up operator salary

Computer numerical controller machinists and set-up operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Computer Numerical Controller Machinist	Set-Up Operator
Average salary	$41,685	$39,269
Salary range	Between $30,000 And $56,000	Between $28,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City	Coon Rapids, MN	Rochester, NY
Highest paying state	New Mexico	New York
Best paying company	Amphenol	Schneider Electric Industrial Services
Best paying industry	Technology	Automotive

Differences between computer numerical controller machinist and set-up operator education

There are a few differences between a computer numerical controller machinist and a set-up operator in terms of educational background:

	Computer Numerical Controller Machinist	Set-Up Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 39%	High School Diploma, 44%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Business
Most common college	-	-

Computer numerical controller machinist vs set-up operator demographics

Here are the differences between computer numerical controller machinists' and set-up operators' demographics:

	Computer Numerical Controller Machinist	Set-Up Operator
Average age	48	43
Gender ratio	Male, 93.6% Female, 6.4%	Male, 85.6% Female, 14.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 4.0% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 6.4% White, 70.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.8% Asian, 6.0% White, 68.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	3%	6%

Differences between computer numerical controller machinist and set-up operator duties and responsibilities

Computer numerical controller machinist example responsibilities.

Calculate dimensions and tolerances using instruments such as micrometers and calipers.
Set up and operate OKUMA CNC lathe and MAZAK CNC lathe to machine various high pressure cylinders.
Have had experience and handle deburr and clipping work on the 446 and lit operations on the drill press of 413.
Fulfill calculating requirements, including basic math, geometry, and trigonometry.
Verify dimensions of parts machine using micrometers, calipers and other precision measuring instruments.
Verify conformance of finish work pieces to specifications using measuring instruments including microscopes, gauges, calipers and micrometers.

Set-up operator example responsibilities.

Manage daily scheduling of production workload to be setup and run on machinery.
Use and replacement of drills, taps, broaches, and reamers.
Manufacture parts according to blueprints, work with stainless steel aluminum, brass and plastics.
Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, or grinders.
Use of exact measuring instruments as CMM, optical comparators, mics, bore gauges and many other tools.
Produce parts from different materials such as cold roll steel, stainless steel, no lead brass and regular brass.

Computer numerical controller machinist vs set-up operator skills

Common computer numerical controller machinist skills

Calipers, 7%
Micrometers, 7%
Manual Lathes, 6%
Math, 5%
G Code, 4%
Grinders, 4%

Common set-up operator skills

Calipers, 9%
CNC Machines, 7%
Hand Tools, 7%
Math, 6%
Quality Checks, 6%
Preventative Maintenance, 6%

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Computer Numerical Controller Machinist vs Set-Up Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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