How long does it take to become a Numerical Control Operator?

It takes 4 years of professional experience to become a numerical control operator. That is the time it takes to learn specific numerical control operator skills, but does not account for time spent in formal education. If you include the normal education requirements to complete a college degree, then it takes 7 to 9 years years to become a numerical control operator.

How To Become A Numerical Control Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a numerical control operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A numerical control operator is a person who operates computerized machines that perform various manufacturing tasks. These machines are programd to follow exact instructions, and it is the role of the operator to ensure that they do so accurately and efficiently. The operator must have knowledge of machine programming languages, as well as the ability to read and interpret technical drawings. They are responsible for monitoring the machines, making adjustments, and troubleshooting any issues.

ScoreNumerical Control OperatorUS Average

Salary

3.0

Avg. Salary $38,280

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.0

Growth rate -8%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.87%

Asian 6.02%

Black or African American 4.85%

Hispanic or Latino 14.70%

Unknown 5.43%

White 68.12%

Gender

female 11.00%

male 89.00%

Age - 43

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43

Stress level

6.0

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.1

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a numerical control operator?

Pros

Good salary and benefits
High demand for skilled operators
Ability to work with advanced technology
Clear job responsibilities and expectations
Job security

Cons

May require shift work or extended hours
Risk of injury from machines or equipment
High stress environment when deadlines are tight
Potential for burnout from the repetitive nature of the work
Continuous need to update skills and knowledge as technology advances

Key steps to become a numerical control operator

Explore numerical control operator education requirements

Most common numerical control operator degrees

High School Diploma

43.4 %

Associate

23.4 %

Bachelor's

13.5 %

Start to develop specific numerical control operator skills

Skills	Percentages
Calipers	11.71%
Micrometers	9.22%
Math	5.86%
Lathe Machines	5.62%
Hand Tools	5.59%

Complete relevant numerical control operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New numerical control operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a numerical control operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real numerical control operator resumes.

Gain additional numerical control operator certifications

Numerical control operator certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific numerical control operator certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for numerical control operators include OSHA Safety Certificate and Master Engine Machinist.

More About Certifications

Research numerical control operator duties and responsibilities

Perform trial runs on new CNC programs, working with programming and tooling to achieve satisfactory parts.
Set up and run vertical milling machines and Mori-Seiki lathes
Calculate dimensions and tolerances using knowledge of mathematics and instruments such as micrometers and calipers
Set up and operate machine turning tools (lathes, MAZAK).

Prepare your numerical control operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your numerical control operator resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a numerical control operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable numerical control operator resume templates

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