Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC metro area earn a median of $46,630 a year ($22.42 an hour), based on BLS data for 160 workers.
Pay ranges from $35,430 for the lowest-paid 10% to $61,620 for the top 10%. That is 8% lower than the national median of $50,690. Pay here is 8% lower than the North Carolina statewide median of $50,440. There are 1.0 computer numerically controlled tool operators per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $46,430, close to the median.
Pay range for computer numerically controlled tool operators in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $35,430 | $17.04 |
| 25th percentile | $38,010 | $18.27 |
| Median | $46,630 | $22.42 |
| 75th percentile | $48,950 | $23.53 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $61,620 | $29.63 |
| Average (mean) | $46,430 | $22.32 |
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 | $3,885.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,942.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,793.46 |
| Weekly | $896.73 |
| Hourly | $22.42 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Winston-Salem, NC | $53,110 | 250 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | $52,240 | 340 |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | $50,750 | 220 |
| Asheville, NC | $50,440 | 160 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $49,400 | 960 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $48,560 | 70 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | $47,930 | 560 |
| Burlington, NC | $46,940 | n/a |
| Goldsboro, NC | $38,980 | 40 |
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 North Carolina statewide figures.
Related jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers | $43,140 | $20.74 |
| Production Workers, All Other | $38,720 | $18.62 |
| Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders | $41,150 | $19.78 |
| Helpers--Production Workers | $39,410 | $18.95 |
| Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $48,740 | $23.43 |
| Cutters and Trimmers, Hand | $49,200 | $23.66 |
| Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $44,940 | $21.61 |
| Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $48,230 | $23.19 |
| Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders | $33,870 | $16.28 |
| Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $43,590 | $20.96 |
| Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $44,800 | $21.54 |
| Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand | $36,680 | $17.64 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer | $61,140 | $29.39 |
| Dental Laboratory Technician | $48,810 | $23.47 |
More: Production Occupations · all salaries in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
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 Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median salary for computer numerically controlled tool operators in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC metro area is $46,630 a year, or $22.42 an hour. Pay ranges from $35,430 for the lowest-paid 10% to $61,620 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid computer numerically controlled tool operators make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The top 10% of computer numerically controlled tool operators in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC metro area earn at least $61,620 a year. The top 25% earn $48,950 or more.
What is the starting pay for computer numerically controlled tool operators in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $35,430 a year, and a quarter of computer numerically controlled tool operators earn $38,010 or less.
How many computer numerically controlled tool operators work in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
About 160 computer numerically controlled tool operators are employed in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC metro area, not counting the self-employed.