How the national numbers differ
1Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators has the edge on annual openings
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators is at 12,500 annual openings, compared with 200 annual openings for Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers.
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers has the edge on median pay
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers is at $62,750, compared with $50,690 for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators.
Typical preparation differs.
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators: High school diploma or equivalent; More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers: High school diploma or equivalent; More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing Preparation categories do not establish admission difficulty, calendar time, tuition, time without earnings, or licensing difficulty.
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators has the edge on projected growth
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators is at -9.4% projected growth, compared with -15% projected growth for Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers.
44.8/ 100Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
vs
24.7/ 100Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
Each available metric is ranked from 0 to 100 against the careers on ChooseField. The weighted average uses this profile: pay 30%, growth 25%, openings 30%, preparation level 15%. Missing values are not scored as zero; their weights are redistributed across available metrics. Occupation size has zero weight: employment is not accessible vacancies. Preparation categories do not measure admission difficulty or years without earnings. The score summarizes national measures; local opportunities and personal fit still need separate consideration.
Detailed evidence
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators vs Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
| Dimension | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators | Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers |
|---|
| Median pay (2025) | $50,690 | $62,750 |
|---|
| Pay percentile | 34.7 percentile | 52.9 percentile |
|---|
| Projected growth (2025–2035) | -9.4% | -15% |
|---|
| Annual openings (2025–2035) | 12,500 | 200 |
|---|
| 2025 employment | 170,000 | 3,000 |
|---|
| How you qualify | High school diploma or equivalent; More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing | High school diploma or equivalent; More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing |
| O*NET preparation group | Job Zone 2 | Job Zone 3 |
| Related work experience | No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary. | No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary. |
| On-the-job training | More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing. | More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing. |
The table reports national benchmarks and reviewed work descriptions. It does not rate personal suitability, job security, or physical safety.
