Description
Operate computer-controlled tools, machines, or robots to machine or process parts, tools, or other work pieces made of metal, plastic, wood, stone, or other materials. May also set up and maintain equipment.
Interests
- Realistic
- Conventional
Work Values
- Support
- Independence
- Working Conditions
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cooperation
- Initiative
- Analytical Thinking
Tasks
- Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.
- Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces.
- Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
- Review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences.
- Stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences.
Work Activities
- Controlling Machines and Processes
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Detailed Work Activities
- Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Technology Skills
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Video conferencing software
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Industrial control software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Abilities
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Near Vision
- Information Ordering
- Problem Sensitivity
- Control Precision
Skills
- Operation and Control
- Operations Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Quality Control Analysis
Knowledge
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
ISA Certified Control Systems Technician - Level ICertifying Organization
International Society of Automation
Type
Core
Certificate name
Machining Level I - CNC Turning: Programming Setup & OperationsCertifying Organization
National Institute for Metalworking Skills
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Machining Level I - CNC Milling: Programming Setup & OperationsCertifying Organization
National Institute for Metalworking Skills
Type
Core
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $43,175 |
| Median (50%) | $48,281 |
| High (90%) | $56,488 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $47,389 |
| Mid Level | $53,985 |
| Senior Level | $57,676 |
| Expert Level | $66,697 |
Employability
There are currently 189,900 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to decrease to 172,400 positions, reflecting a projected decline of -9%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of -9%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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