Description

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

Interests

Realistic
Conventional

Learn More about Interests

Work Values

Support
Relationships
Working Conditions

Learn More about Work Values

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
Persistence
Dependability
Adaptability/Flexibility
Integrity

Learn More about Work Styles

Tasks

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.

Work Activities

Getting Information
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Controlling Machines and Processes
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Detailed Work Activities

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Technology Skills

Electronic mail software
Spreadsheet software
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Office suite software
Operating system software

Abilities

Arm-Hand Steadiness
Control Precision
Near Vision
Manual Dexterity
Problem Sensitivity

Skills

Operations Monitoring
Quality Control Analysis
Equipment Maintenance
Judgment and Decision Making
Monitoring

Knowledge

Production and Processing
Mechanical
Mathematics
English Language
Design

Most Common Education Level

The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.

Certificates

These are the certification(s) applicable to Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic:

Certificate name

Level I Machine Lubricant Analyst

Certifying Organization

International Council for Machinery Lubrication

Type

Core

Certificate name

Machining Level I - CNC Milling: Programming Setup & Operations

Certifying Organization

National Institute for Metalworking Skills

Type

Core

Certificate name

Oil Monitoring Analyst I

Certifying Organization

Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers

Type

Core

Certificate name	Certifying Organization	Type
Level I Machine Lubricant Analyst	International Council for Machinery Lubrication	Core
Machining Level I - CNC Milling: Programming Setup & Operations	National Institute for Metalworking Skills	Core
Oil Monitoring Analyst I	Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers	Core

Income Percentile

The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.

Income Percentile	Annual Income
Low (10%)	$36,355
Median (50%)	$41,559
High (90%)	$52,211

Employability

There are currently 130,000 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 132,300 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 2%.

The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.

Projected Job Growth of 2%

Related Careers

Industrial Machinery Mechanics

Median Annual Income

$59,140

Projected Job Growth

+17 %

Career Cluster(s)

Energy & Natural Resources

Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. May also install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to plans.

RealisticConventionalInvestigative

Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Median Annual Income

$38,963

Projected Job Growth

-8 %

Career Cluster(s)

Advanced Manufacturing

Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Set up, operate, or tend machines to roll steel or plastic forming bends, beads, knurls, rolls, or plate, or to flatten, temper, or reduce gauge of material.

RealisticConventional

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Median Annual Income

$44,054

Projected Job Growth

-11 %

Career Cluster(s)

Advanced Manufacturing

Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.

RealisticConventional

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Median Annual Income

$43,717

Projected Job Growth

-11 %

Career Cluster(s)

Advanced Manufacturing

Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Set up, operate, or tend grinding and related tools that remove excess material or burrs from surfaces, sharpen edges or corners, or buff, hone, or polish metal or plastic work pieces.

RealisticConventional

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Median Annual Income

$49,634

Projected Job Growth

-11 %

Career Cluster(s)

Advanced Manufacturing

Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Set up, operate, or tend lathe and turning machines to turn, bore, thread, form, or face metal or plastic materials, such as wire, rod, or bar stock.

RealisticConventional

Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Median Annual Income

$42,370

Projected Job Growth

-13 %

Career Cluster(s)

Advanced Manufacturing

Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Set up, operate, or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic work pieces.

RealisticConventional

Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners

Median Annual Income

$44,806

Projected Job Growth

-8 %

Career Cluster(s)

Advanced Manufacturing

Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Perform precision smoothing, sharpening, polishing, or grinding of metal objects.

RealisticConventional

Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing

Median Annual Income

$38,516

Projected Job Growth

-2 %

Career Cluster(s)

Advanced Manufacturing

Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Set up, operate, or tend woodworking machines, such as drill presses, lathes, shapers, routers, sanders, planers, and wood nailing machines. May operate computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment.

RealisticConventional

Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Median Annual Income

$39,901

Projected Job Growth

-3 %

Career Cluster(s)

Advanced Manufacturing

Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Set up, operate, or tend machines that cut or slice materials, such as glass, stone, cork, rubber, tobacco, food, paper, or insulating material.

RealisticConventional

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators

Median Annual Income

$48,281

Projected Job Growth

-9 %

Career Cluster(s)

Advanced Manufacturing

Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Operate computer-controlled tools, machines, or robots to machine or process parts, tools, or other work pieces made of metal, plastic, wood, stone, or other materials. May also set up and maintain equipment.

RealisticConventional

The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.