Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator salary in Columbia, SC
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators in the Columbia, SC metro area earn a median of $51,530 a year ($24.77 an hour), based on BLS data for 240 workers.
Pay ranges from $38,350 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,830 for the top 10%. That is 2% higher than the national median of $50,690. Pay here is 1% lower than the South Carolina statewide median of $51,800. There are 0.60 computer numerically controlled tool operators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.55). The average (mean) salary is $51,730, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for computer numerically controlled tool operators in Columbia, SC
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $38,350 | $18.44 |
| 25th percentile | $42,640 | $20.50 |
| Median | $51,530 | $24.77 |
| 75th percentile | $60,830 | $29.25 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $60,830 | $29.25 |
| Average (mean) | $51,730 | $24.87 |
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 | $4,294.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,147.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,981.92 |
| Weekly | $990.96 |
| Hourly | $24.77 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $58,050 | 110 |
| Spartanburg, SC | $52,810 | 160 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC | $50,400 | 640 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $49,400 | 960 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC | $46,840 | 60 |
| Florence, SC | $46,650 | 70 |
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 South Carolina statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbia, SC
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers | $48,310 | $23.23 |
| Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders | $41,340 | $19.87 |
| Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $51,010 | $24.53 |
| Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders | $57,870 | $27.82 |
| Helpers--Production Workers | $37,320 | $17.94 |
| Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $44,810 | $21.54 |
| Production Workers, All Other | $39,600 | $19.04 |
| Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $50,430 | $24.24 |
| Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $49,320 | $23.71 |
| Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $47,760 | $22.96 |
| Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $48,400 | $23.27 |
| Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic | $44,790 | $21.53 |
| Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician | $36,400 | $17.50 |
| Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders | $34,140 | $16.42 |
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 Columbia, SC?
The median salary for computer numerically controlled tool operators in the Columbia, SC metro area is $51,530 a year, or $24.77 an hour. Pay ranges from $38,350 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,830 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid computer numerically controlled tool operators make in Columbia, SC?
The top 10% of computer numerically controlled tool operators in the Columbia, SC metro area earn at least $60,830 a year. The top 25% earn $60,830 or more.
What is the starting pay for computer numerically controlled tool operators in Columbia, SC?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $38,350 a year, and a quarter of computer numerically controlled tool operators earn $42,640 or less.
How many computer numerically controlled tool operators work in Columbia, SC?
About 240 computer numerically controlled tool operators are employed in the Columbia, SC metro area, not counting the self-employed.