Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area earn a median of $51,600 a year ($24.81 an hour), based on BLS data for 720 workers.
Pay ranges from $47,070 for the lowest-paid 10% to $63,460 for the top 10%. That is 2% higher than the national median of $50,690. Pay here is 1% lower than the Iowa statewide median of $52,300. There are 8.5 computer numerically controlled tool operators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 7.8× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $54,210, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for computer numerically controlled tool operators in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $47,070 | $22.63 |
| 25th percentile | $50,380 | $24.22 |
| Median | $51,600 | $24.81 |
| 75th percentile | $60,170 | $28.93 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $63,460 | $30.51 |
| Average (mean) | $54,210 | $26.06 |
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 | $4,300 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,150 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,984.62 |
| Weekly | $992.31 |
| Hourly | $24.81 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $58,870 | 430 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $57,170 | 190 |
| Dubuque, IA | $52,110 | 260 |
| 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 or the Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers | $51,250 | $24.64 |
| Helpers--Production Workers | $48,520 | $23.33 |
| Production Workers, All Other | $48,300 | $23.22 |
| Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders | $43,040 | $20.69 |
| Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $49,330 | $23.72 |
| Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $38,590 | $18.55 |
| Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders | $56,100 | $26.97 |
| Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $49,180 | $23.64 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer | $60,330 | $29.00 |
| Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | $50,310 | $24.19 |
| Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | $51,080 | $24.56 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers | $75,370 | $36.24 |
| Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters | $46,620 | $22.41 |
| Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $50,400 | $24.23 |
More: Production Occupations · all salaries in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
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 Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The median salary for computer numerically controlled tool operators in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area is $51,600 a year, or $24.81 an hour. Pay ranges from $47,070 for the lowest-paid 10% to $63,460 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid computer numerically controlled tool operators make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The top 10% of computer numerically controlled tool operators in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area earn at least $63,460 a year. The top 25% earn $60,170 or more.
What is the starting pay for computer numerically controlled tool operators in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $47,070 a year, and a quarter of computer numerically controlled tool operators earn $50,380 or less.
How many computer numerically controlled tool operators work in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
About 720 computer numerically controlled tool operators are employed in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.