Prevailing Wage for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
Prevailing wage rates for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators (SOC 51-9161) are set by the Department of Labor across four experience levels, from entry-level CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator) to fully competent CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist). The floor varies significantly by worksite city, so a sponsored position in Seattle pays far more than the same role in South Texas.
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Level 1 covers entry-level CNC operators with limited hands-on experience, typically performing routine machine setups under direct supervision. Workers at this level follow established procedures with minimal independent judgment and are still developing familiarity with specific tooling, materials, and machine types.
Level 2 is the most common filing level for CNC tool operators. It applies to qualified workers who can set up and run machines independently, read technical drawings, and troubleshoot standard machining issues without constant supervision, usually with two or more years of relevant experience.
Level 3 applies to experienced operators who handle complex or non-standard machining tasks, program or modify CNC code, and may provide informal guidance to junior staff. These workers bring specialized knowledge of tolerances, materials, or machine types that goes beyond routine production work.
Level 4 covers fully competent machinists in senior or lead roles, responsible for advanced programming, quality control oversight, process improvement, or training other operators. Employers filing at this level are typically seeking workers who function with significant autonomy across a broad range of CNC equipment and materials.
Prevailing Wage for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators by OES area
Each shape is a DOL OES area, the unit prevailing wage is published for.
What’s an OES area?
The Department of Labor publishes prevailing wages for geographic zones called OES areas. Every U.S. county belongs to exactly one, and the wage floor applies across the whole area. A worker in Oakland gets the San Francisco metro wage, not a separate Oakland wage.
Top 10 cities · Level 1
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See which U.S. employers are actively hiring for this role and sponsoring H-1B, OPT, and green card visas at or above the prevailing wage.
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Verify your title maps to SOC 51-9161
Job postings often use titles like CNC Lathe Operator, CNC Mill Operator, or CNC Machinist interchangeably. If your LCA is filed under a different SOC, the prevailing wage floor changes. Confirm the employer's posted SOC code before accepting an offer.
Watch for production bonuses excluded from base wage
Many CNC operators receive shift differentials or production bonuses that DOL does not count toward prevailing wage compliance. Only guaranteed, recurring base salary counts. Make sure the quoted annual salary alone clears the applicable level floor, not a blended total.
Compare Seattle and Texas metro floors before relocating
The Level 2 prevailing wage in Seattle is roughly double the Level 2 floor in McAllen or Brownsville. If an employer offers flexibility on worksite location, the city listed on the LCA determines compliance, so geography directly affects your negotiating position.
Use Migrate Mate to find sponsors with CNC hiring history
Migrate Mate shows which employers have historically sponsored CNC Tool Operators for H-1B or green card, letting you focus your search on manufacturers and precision shops with an actual track record of filing for this occupation rather than guessing from job postings.
Jobs for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Jobs for this rolePrevailing Wage by Reported Job Title
DOL classifies these titles under SOC 51-9161.00 alongside Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators, so the same four-tier wage schedule applies to each. Tap a title to see the full breakdown.
CNC Gear Operator (Computer Numerical Control Gear Operator) Prevailing Wage
CNC Gear Operator (Computer Numerical Control Gear Operator) Prevailing Wage
CNC Gear Operator (Computer Numerical Control Gear Operator) positions fall under SOC 51-9161.00 (Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators). DOL OFLC publishes one four-tier prevailing wage schedule for the entire classification; employers filing H-1B, E-3, or PERM petitions for this title use the levels below.
CNC Lathe Operator (Computer Numerical Control Lathe Operator) Prevailing Wage
CNC Lathe Operator (Computer Numerical Control Lathe Operator) Prevailing Wage
When a U.S. employer sponsors a CNC Lathe Operator (Computer Numerical Control Lathe Operator) for a work visa or green card, DOL applies the prevailing wage schedule for SOC 51-9161.00 (Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators). Wage level reflects the role's experience and responsibility, not the title itself.
CNC Machine Operator (Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator) Prevailing Wage
CNC Machine Operator (Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator) Prevailing Wage
CNC Machine Operator (Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator) is an O*NET-reported job title within SOC 51-9161.00 (Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators). All roles in this SOC share the same prevailing wage tiers. The level an employer files at depends on what the role requires, not which title is used.
CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist) Prevailing Wage
CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist) Prevailing Wage
CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist) positions fall under SOC 51-9161.00 (Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators). DOL OFLC publishes one four-tier prevailing wage schedule for the entire classification; employers filing H-1B, E-3, or PERM petitions for this title use the levels below.
CNC Mill Operator (Computer Numerical Control Mill Operator) Prevailing Wage
CNC Mill Operator (Computer Numerical Control Mill Operator) Prevailing Wage
When a U.S. employer sponsors a CNC Mill Operator (Computer Numerical Control Mill Operator) for a work visa or green card, DOL applies the prevailing wage schedule for SOC 51-9161.00 (Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators). Wage level reflects the role's experience and responsibility, not the title itself.
CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator) Prevailing Wage
CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator) Prevailing Wage
CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator) is an O*NET-reported job title within SOC 51-9161.00 (Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators). All roles in this SOC share the same prevailing wage tiers. The level an employer files at depends on what the role requires, not which title is used.
CNC Set Up Operator (Computer Numerical Control Set Up Operator) Prevailing Wage
CNC Set Up Operator (Computer Numerical Control Set Up Operator) Prevailing Wage
CNC Set Up Operator (Computer Numerical Control Set Up Operator) positions fall under SOC 51-9161.00 (Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators). DOL OFLC publishes one four-tier prevailing wage schedule for the entire classification; employers filing H-1B, E-3, or PERM petitions for this title use the levels below.
Machine Operator Prevailing Wage
Machine Operator Prevailing Wage
When a U.S. employer sponsors a Machine Operator for a work visa or green card, DOL applies the prevailing wage schedule for SOC 51-9161.00 (Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators). Wage level reflects the role's experience and responsibility, not the title itself.
Machine Set Up Operator Prevailing Wage
Machine Set Up Operator Prevailing Wage
Machine Set Up Operator is an O*NET-reported job title within SOC 51-9161.00 (Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators). All roles in this SOC share the same prevailing wage tiers. The level an employer files at depends on what the role requires, not which title is used.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does DOL set the prevailing wage for CNC Tool Operators?
DOL calculates prevailing wages using Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics from employers across hundreds of metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. For each area, DOL computes four wage levels tied to experience and complexity. Employers sponsoring a CNC Tool Operator must pay at least the level that matches the actual job requirements, as certified on the LCA submitted to OFLC.
What do the four wage levels mean and how do I know which applies to my offer?
Level 1 reflects entry-level work performed under close supervision. Level 2 covers independently qualified operators, which is where most CNC Tool Operator sponsorships are filed. Level 3 applies to experienced workers handling complex tasks or light supervisory duties. Level 4 covers senior or lead machinists. To identify your level, compare the job duties in the offer letter against DOL's experience-based level definitions and confirm the SOC code on the LCA.
Why does the prevailing wage for the same CNC role vary so much city to city?
DOL uses regional OES survey data, so wages reflect local labor market conditions rather than a single national figure. Dense manufacturing markets and high cost-of-living metros produce higher survey averages and therefore higher floors. Because immigration rules require the worksite listed on the LCA to match where work is actually performed, your employer cannot use a lower-wage area's floor if you're working in a higher-wage city. The worksite address on the LCA is what OFLC enforces.
What happens if a job offer is below the prevailing wage for a sponsored CNC position?
An employer cannot obtain a certified LCA from OFLC if the offered wage falls below the prevailing wage floor for the occupation and worksite. If an LCA is filed with an understated wage or the actual pay drops below the certified wage after filing, the employer faces OFLC audit risk, back-wage liability, and potential debarment from future sponsorships. For the sponsored worker, a deficient LCA can jeopardize the underlying H-1B or PERM petition with USCIS.
How do I find and verify the prevailing wage for a CNC Tool Operator role at a specific U.S. location?
Use the OFLC Wage Search tool, which lets you look up the current DOL prevailing wage by SOC code, location, and wage level. Enter SOC 51-9161 and the worksite metropolitan area to see the four level wages. You can also check O*NET for occupational context. To identify which employers have sponsored this role in your target city, Migrate Mate filters sponsorship history by occupation and location.
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