Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

ManufacturingO*NET 51-4081.00United States

Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.

COMING SOON See related ASU learning

Median annual earnings: $46,906
Projected change: +2.3%
Typical education: High school diploma or less
Employment: 128.54K jobs

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Build the skills

ASU learning related to this career

These courses and certificates are connected through catalog career relationships and Lightcast skill tags.

The work

What multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic do

Tasks reported for this occupation, ordered by how often they come up in the role.

Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments.
Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists.
Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.
Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.
Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.
Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces.
Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools.
Set machine stops or guides to specified lengths as indicated by scales, rules, or templates.
Select the proper coolants and lubricants and start their flow.
Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs.
Remove burrs, sharp edges, rust, or scale from workpieces, using files, hand grinders, wire brushes, or power tools.
Make minor electrical and mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines and notify supervisors when major service is required.
Start machines and turn handwheels or valves to engage feeding, cooling, and lubricating mechanisms.
Compute data, such as gear dimensions or machine settings, applying knowledge of shop mathematics.
Move controls or mount gears, cams, or templates in machines to set feed rates and cutting speeds, depths, and angles.
Instruct other workers in machine set-up and operation.
Record operational data, such as pressure readings, lengths of strokes, feed rates, or speeds.
Extract or lift jammed pieces from machines, using fingers, wire hooks, or lift bars.

Pay and outlook

What the job pays and where it is heading

Annual earnings range

Reported earnings by percentile, United States

10th percentile: $35,322
25th percentile: $39,047
50th percentile: $46,906
75th percentile: $57,624
90th percentile: $74,595

The gold marker shows the median. Half earn more than $46,906 and half earn less.

Employment outlook

2025 to 2035 projection

+2.3%average or slower

2025128,540 jobs

2035 projected131,474 jobs

2,934 more positions over the decade, before replacement hiring.

Preparation

Education levels

What people currently working in the career hold. These are not entry requirements.

High school diploma or less: 82.8%
Certificate: 7.6%
Some college: 5.6%
Associate degree: 3.9%

Skills

Skills employers ask for

Technical skills appearing most often in job postings for this occupation.

Machine Operation
Tooling
Machinery
Machine Setup
Calipers
Forklift Truck
Lifting Ability
Micrometer
Continuous Improvement Process
General Mathematics
Machining
Blueprint Reading
Hand Tools
Mechanical Aptitude
Statistical Process Controls
Equipment Repair
Housekeeping
Precision Measuring Instruments
Switchgear
Tape Measure

How the work gets done

Core competencies

Broad capabilities associated with strong performance in this occupation.

Operations Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Time Management: Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

In the market

Job titles and employers

Recent job postings in United States

Common job titles

01Machine Operators13 postings
02Manufacturing Machine Operators6 postings
03Manufacturing Operators5 postings
04Slitter Machine Operators3 postings
05Switchgear Specialists3 postings
06Field Locators2 postings
07Shapers2 postings
08Cutting Machine Operators1 postings
09Gear Machinists1 postings
10Heavy Machine Operators1 postings
11Machine Operator Assistants1 postings
12Machinists/Machine Operators1 postings
13Print Operators1 postings
14Printing Machine Operators1 postings
15Shinglers1 postings

Top employers

01Src Holdings Corporation6 postings
02Focus Workforce Management3 postings
03Maclean Power Systems3 postings
04Preferred Materials3 postings
05Automatic Spring Products Corp.2 postings
06Baker Hughes2 postings
07Kelly Services2 postings
08Springfield Remanufacturing Corp.2 postings
09Volt2 postings
10American Ring Company1 postings
11FlexTrades1 postings
12Horsburgh & Scott1 postings
13Indotronix International Corporation1 postings
14Jobot1 postings
15Meridian1 postings
16Northrop Grumman1 postings
17Nw Industrial1 postings
18Onin Staffing1 postings
19Pba Supply1 postings
20Pratt Industries1 postings

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