Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator salary in Tennessee
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators in Tennessee earn a median of $49,980 a year ($24.03 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,980 workers.
Pay ranges from $38,000 for the lowest-paid 10% to $64,620 for the top 10%. That is 1% lower than the national median of $50,690. Tennessee ranks 28th of 48 states for computer numerically controlled tool operators pay. 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 $52,840, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for computer numerically controlled tool operators in Tennessee
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $38,000 | $18.27 |
| 25th percentile | $45,410 | $21.83 |
| Median | $49,980 | $24.03 |
| 75th percentile | $59,770 | $28.73 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $64,620 | $31.07 |
| Average (mean) | $52,840 | $25.41 |
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 | $4,165 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,082.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,922.31 |
| Weekly | $961.15 |
| Hourly | $24.03 |
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 Tennessee
| 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 |
| Knoxville, TN | $49,040 | 260 |
| 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.
Related jobs in Tennessee
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Production Workers, All Other | $40,130 | $19.29 |
| Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers | $45,760 | $22.00 |
| Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders | $43,190 | $20.77 |
| Helpers--Production Workers | $38,330 | $18.43 |
| Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $41,970 | $20.18 |
| Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $47,210 | $22.70 |
| Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders | $60,960 | $29.31 |
| Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $46,920 | $22.56 |
| Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $50,470 | $24.26 |
| Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $47,840 | $23.00 |
| Tire Builder | $74,100 | $35.63 |
| Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $42,950 | $20.65 |
| Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $44,030 | $21.17 |
| Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic | $45,860 | $22.05 |
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 Tennessee?
The median salary for computer numerically controlled tool operators in Tennessee is $49,980 a year, or $24.03 an hour. Pay ranges from $38,000 for the lowest-paid 10% to $64,620 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid computer numerically controlled tool operators make in Tennessee?
The top 10% of computer numerically controlled tool operators in Tennessee earn at least $64,620 a year. The top 25% earn $59,770 or more.
What is the starting pay for computer numerically controlled tool operators in Tennessee?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $38,000 a year, and a quarter of computer numerically controlled tool operators earn $45,410 or less.
How many computer numerically controlled tool operators work in Tennessee?
About 1,980 computer numerically controlled tool operators are employed in Tennessee, not counting the self-employed.