Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator salary in Iowa
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators in Iowa earn a median of $52,300 a year ($25.15 an hour), based on BLS data for 4,750 workers.
Pay ranges from $39,450 for the lowest-paid 10% to $63,040 for the top 10%. That is 3% higher than the national median of $50,690. Iowa ranks 20th of 48 states for computer numerically controlled tool operators pay. There are 3.0 computer numerically controlled tool operators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 2.8× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $53,230, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for computer numerically controlled tool operators in Iowa
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,450 | $18.96 |
| 25th percentile | $47,330 | $22.76 |
| Median | $52,300 | $25.15 |
| 75th percentile | $61,300 | $29.47 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $63,040 | $30.31 |
| Average (mean) | $53,230 | $25.59 |
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 | $4,358.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,179.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,011.54 |
| Weekly | $1,005.77 |
| Hourly | $25.15 |
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 cities in Iowa
| 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 |
| Ames, IA | $47,330 | 50 |
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.
Related jobs in Iowa
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers | $50,740 | $24.40 |
| Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders | $45,660 | $21.95 |
| Production Workers, All Other | $44,450 | $21.37 |
| Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $49,330 | $23.72 |
| Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $51,570 | $24.79 |
| Helpers--Production Workers | $45,560 | $21.91 |
| Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders | $57,550 | $27.67 |
| Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $62,590 | $30.09 |
| Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $52,220 | $25.11 |
| Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $46,110 | $22.17 |
| Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $49,600 | $23.84 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer | $57,780 | $27.78 |
| Tire Builder | $50,600 | $24.33 |
| Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $49,340 | $23.72 |
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 Iowa?
The median salary for computer numerically controlled tool operators in Iowa is $52,300 a year, or $25.15 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,450 for the lowest-paid 10% to $63,040 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid computer numerically controlled tool operators make in Iowa?
The top 10% of computer numerically controlled tool operators in Iowa earn at least $63,040 a year. The top 25% earn $61,300 or more.
What is the starting pay for computer numerically controlled tool operators in Iowa?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,450 a year, and a quarter of computer numerically controlled tool operators earn $47,330 or less.
How many computer numerically controlled tool operators work in Iowa?
About 4,750 computer numerically controlled tool operators are employed in Iowa, not counting the self-employed.