Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator salary in Knoxville, TN
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators in the Knoxville, TN metro area earn a median of $49,040 a year ($23.58 an hour), based on BLS data for 260 workers.
Pay ranges from $38,850 for the lowest-paid 10% to $63,220 for the top 10%. That is 3% lower than the national median of $50,690. Pay here is 2% lower than the Tennessee statewide median of $49,980. There are 0.62 computer numerically controlled tool operators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.57). The average (mean) salary is $52,130, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for computer numerically controlled tool operators in Knoxville, TN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $38,850 | $18.68 |
| 25th percentile | $48,060 | $23.11 |
| Median | $49,040 | $23.58 |
| 75th percentile | $60,760 | $29.21 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $63,220 | $30.40 |
| Average (mean) | $52,130 | $25.06 |
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 | $4,086.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,043.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,886.15 |
| Weekly | $943.08 |
| Hourly | $23.58 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Morristown, TN | $62,760 | 70 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $59,270 | 690 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $53,660 | 410 |
| Jackson, TN | $50,450 | 60 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $48,660 | 60 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $48,620 | 80 |
| Cleveland, TN | $48,080 | 80 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $47,940 | 170 |
| Johnson City, TN | $45,480 | 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 or the Tennessee statewide figures.
Related jobs in Knoxville, TN
More: Production Occupations · all salaries in Knoxville, TN
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 Knoxville, TN?
The median salary for computer numerically controlled tool operators in the Knoxville, TN metro area is $49,040 a year, or $23.58 an hour. Pay ranges from $38,850 for the lowest-paid 10% to $63,220 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid computer numerically controlled tool operators make in Knoxville, TN?
The top 10% of computer numerically controlled tool operators in the Knoxville, TN metro area earn at least $63,220 a year. The top 25% earn $60,760 or more.
What is the starting pay for computer numerically controlled tool operators in Knoxville, TN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $38,850 a year, and a quarter of computer numerically controlled tool operators earn $48,060 or less.
How many computer numerically controlled tool operators work in Knoxville, TN?
About 260 computer numerically controlled tool operators are employed in the Knoxville, TN metro area, not counting the self-employed.