Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator salary in Ames, IA
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators in the Ames, IA metro area earn a median of $47,330 a year ($22.76 an hour), based on BLS data for 50 workers.
Pay ranges from $39,650 for the lowest-paid 10% to $57,290 for the top 10%. That is 7% lower than the national median of $50,690. Pay here is 10% lower than the Iowa statewide median of $52,300. There are 0.92 computer numerically controlled tool operators per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $49,000, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for computer numerically controlled tool operators in Ames, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,650 | $19.06 |
| 25th percentile | $46,120 | $22.17 |
| Median | $47,330 | $22.76 |
| 75th percentile | $53,620 | $25.78 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $57,290 | $27.54 |
| Average (mean) | $49,000 | $23.56 |
Half of computer numerically controlled tool operators earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,944.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,972.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,820.38 |
| Weekly | $910.19 |
| Hourly | $22.76 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $58,870 | 430 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $57,170 | 190 |
| Dubuque, IA | $52,110 | 260 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $51,600 | 720 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $49,470 | 170 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $48,690 | 450 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $48,670 | 270 |
Highest-paying states for computer numerically controlled tool operators
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $107,920 |
| Massachusetts | $61,630 |
| North Dakota | $60,250 |
| Connecticut | $59,840 |
| New Hampshire | $59,730 |
| Maine | $59,660 |
| Vermont | $57,500 |
| Rhode Island | $57,390 |
| Minnesota | $56,780 |
| Oregon | $56,670 |
See Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator pay in every state or the Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Ames, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders | $48,250 | $23.20 |
| Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers | $61,820 | $29.72 |
| Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $52,020 | $25.01 |
| Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders | $62,300 | $29.95 |
| Production Workers, All Other | $70,690 | $33.99 |
| Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $69,090 | $33.22 |
| Helpers--Production Workers | $39,070 | $18.79 |
| Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | $49,360 | $23.73 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers | $74,160 | $35.65 |
| Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $49,670 | $23.88 |
| Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | $58,560 | $28.15 |
| Butchers and Meat Cutters | $36,110 | $17.36 |
| Printing Press Operator | $46,850 | $22.52 |
| Food Batchmaker | $50,950 | $24.50 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 51-9161. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a computer numerically controlled tool operator make in Ames, IA?
The median salary for computer numerically controlled tool operators in the Ames, IA metro area is $47,330 a year, or $22.76 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,650 for the lowest-paid 10% to $57,290 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid computer numerically controlled tool operators make in Ames, IA?
The top 10% of computer numerically controlled tool operators in the Ames, IA metro area earn at least $57,290 a year. The top 25% earn $53,620 or more.
What is the starting pay for computer numerically controlled tool operators in Ames, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,650 a year, and a quarter of computer numerically controlled tool operators earn $46,120 or less.
How many computer numerically controlled tool operators work in Ames, IA?
About 50 computer numerically controlled tool operators are employed in the Ames, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.