Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
SOC Code: 51-4031Also known as:
Adjuster, Angle Shear Operator, Angle Shear Setup Operator, Arbor Press Operator, Automatic Punch Press Operator
Median Annual Salary
$45,590
-12.1% growth (2024-2034)
14K
Openings/Year
175K
Current Jobs
What Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic Do
Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
💰 Salary
$45,590
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-12.1%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
14K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
174,700
Projected Employment (2034)
153,600
Related Careers
Rolling machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$48,630 •
-8.3% growth
Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$48,310 •
-14.4% growth
Woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawing
$40,440 •
-1.8% growth
Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders
$45,700 •
-2.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Measure completed workpieces to verify conformance to specifications, using micrometers, gauges, calipers, templates, or rulers.
- Examine completed workpieces for defects, such as chipped edges or marred surfaces and sort defective pieces according to types of flaws.
- Read work orders or production schedules to determine specifications, such as materials to be used, locations of cutting lines, or dimensions and tolerances.
- Start machines, monitor their operations, and record operational data.
- Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
- Test and adjust machine speeds or actions, according to product specifications, using gauges and hand tools.
- Load workpieces, plastic material, or chemical solutions into machines.
- Turn controls to set cutting speeds, feed rates, or table angles for specified operations.
- Clean work area.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic:
Machine Tool Technology/Machinist
3,539 degrees awarded •
248 colleges offer this program
Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking
386 degrees awarded •
18 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic make?
The median annual salary for cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $45,590.
What education do cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic need?
Most cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Machine Tool Technology/Machinist, Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking.
Is becoming a cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic a good career choice?
Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is projected to see -12.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 14,400 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Top colleges for aspiring cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic include
State Technical College of Missouri, Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee, Williamson College of the Trades, Michigan Career and Technical Institute, Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jacksboro.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic may also be known as: Adjuster, Angle Shear Operator, Angle Shear Setup Operator, Arbor Press Operator, Automatic Punch Press Operator, Automatic Screwmaker, Automobile Bumper Straightener, Bander Operator, Banding Machine Operator, Bench Shear Operator, Bender Machine Operator, Bending Machine Setup Operator, Bending Roll Operator, Beveler, Billet Cutter, Billet Shearer, Blanker, Body Press Operator, Bolt Cutter, Brake Machine Operator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.