Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Tool Operators in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $51,130. This figure is slightly below the national average of $52,900, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and industry demand within this specific Illinois-Indiana corridor. The competitive landscape and specific needs of manufacturing within this large metropolitan area shape compensation for these skilled roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $51,130 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $65,820.
- Outlook: The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area supports a substantial workforce of 6,280 CNC Tool Operators, with a location quotient of 1.22. This concentration signifies that the region has a higher proportion of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for skilled CNC operators. The presence of a significant number of these professionals indicates a well-established industry presence and a healthy job market for this specialized trade.
Salary Overview
The average Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earns-3.3%below the national average.
$24.6
$983
$4,261
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for CNC Tool Operators across the United States, including the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area, have seen incremental growth over the past four years. This trend is driven by technological advancements in manufacturing, the increasing complexity of CNC machinery, and a persistent need for skilled labor to operate and maintain these systems, leading to upward pressure on wages.
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Salary Distribution in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Career progression for CNC Tool Operators typically involves a clear salary trajectory from entry-level positions to senior roles. Junior operators, often starting in the lower percentiles, gain experience and specialized skills, moving into mid-level roles with increased responsibilities and compensation. Senior CNC operators, possessing extensive expertise and potentially supervisory duties, command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their value and mastery of complex machining processes.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $37,930 | $18.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $38,348 | $18.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $48,470 | $23.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $63,913 | $30.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $65,820 | $31.6 |
Detailed Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$51,130
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$51,130
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $51,130 for CNC Tool Operators in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of goods and services in this metropolitan area is neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical U.S. city. Therefore, the take-home pay for a CNC operator here would likely provide a comparable standard of living to that found elsewhere in the country.
Job Market Context
6,280
Total Jobs
1.404
Per 1K Jobs
1.22
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.22, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators roles compared to the national norm.
With a location quotient of 1.22, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area demonstrates a concentration of CNC Tool Operator jobs that is 22% higher than the national average. This indicates a more competitive and potentially abundant job market for these professionals compared to other regions. Employers in this area may face a more active recruitment landscape, while job seekers can find a greater number of opportunities relative to the overall workforce size.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Salary | $46,940↓ 8% | 41 mi |
| Kenosha, WI Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Salary | $52,510↑ 3% | 51 mi |
| Kankakee, IL Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Salary | $45,900↓ 10% | 55 mi |
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Salary | $56,300↑ 10% | 59 mi |
| Niles, MI Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Salary | $48,130↓ 6% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Hiring Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median annual salary for a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $51,130. This typically ranges from $37,930 for entry-level positions to $65,820 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 3.3% lower than the national median of $52,900.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a lucrative place for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operatorss?
Yes, with a caveat.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the strong concentration of jobs (LQ 1.22) and a cost of living at the national average suggest a stable and accessible market for CNC Tool Operators.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a good place to live for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Michigan City-La Porte, IN ($46,940) and Kenosha, WI.
How does the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for CNC Tool Operators in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $51,130, which is slightly lower than the national average of $52,900.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for CNC Tool Operators in this area?
A Location Quotient of 1.22 means that CNC Tool Operator jobs are 22% more concentrated in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area than the national average, indicating a higher demand and presence of this profession.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the CNC Tool Operator salary in Chicago?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $51,130 salary in Chicago offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning it's neither exceptionally high nor low relative to expenses.
What is the total number of CNC Tool Operators in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area?
There are approximately 6,280 Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators employed within the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan statistical area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,280 employees in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area with a job density of 1.404 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN