Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
SOC Code: 51-4035Also known as:
Barrel Rib Matting Machine Operator, Barrel Rifler, Boring Mill Operator, Broacher, Broaching Machine Operator
Median Annual Salary
$48,310
-14.4% growth (2024-2034)
1K
Openings/Year
14K
Current Jobs
What Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic Do
Set up, operate, or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic work pieces.
💰 Salary
$48,310
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-14.4%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
1K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
13,800
Projected Employment (2034)
11,800
Related Careers
Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$48,620 •
-13.6% growth
Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$46,060 •
-0.5% growth
Tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners
$48,970 •
-7.8% growth
Woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawing
$40,440 •
-1.8% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Active Listening
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Remove workpieces from machines, and check to ensure that they conform to specifications, using measuring instruments such as microscopes, gauges, calipers, and micrometers.
- Verify alignment of workpieces on machines, using measuring instruments such as rules, gauges, or calipers.
- Move controls to set cutting specifications, to position cutting tools and workpieces in relation to each other, and to start machines.
- Observe milling or planing machine operation, and adjust controls to ensure conformance with specified tolerances.
- Select and install cutting tools and other accessories according to specifications, using hand tools or power tools.
- Position and secure workpieces on machines, using holding devices, measuring instruments, hand tools, and hoists.
- Replace worn tools, using hand tools, and sharpen dull tools, using bench grinders.
- Study blueprints, layouts, sketches, or work orders to assess workpiece specifications and to determine tooling instructions, tools and materials needed, and sequences of operations.
- Compute dimensions, tolerances, and angles of workpieces or machines according to specifications and knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
- Move cutters or material manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to mill workpieces to specifications.
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 Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic:
Machine Tool Technology/Machinist
3,539 degrees awarded •
248 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Milling and planing 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 milling and planing 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 milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic make?
The median annual salary for milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $48,310.
What education do milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic need?
Most milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Machine Tool Technology/Machinist.
Is becoming a milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic a good career choice?
Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is projected to see -14.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 1,100 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Top colleges for aspiring milling and planing 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 milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic may also be known as: Barrel Rib Matting Machine Operator, Barrel Rifler, Boring Mill Operator, Broacher, Broaching Machine Operator, Broaching Machine Set Up Operator, CNC Licensed Mill Operator (Computer Numerical Control Licensed Mill Operator), CNC Mill Operator (Computer Numerical Control Mill Operator), CNC Mill Operator (Computerized Numerical Control Mill Operator), CNC Mill Set Up Operator (Computerized Numerical Control Mill Set Up Operator), CNC Milling Operator (Computer Numerical Control Milling Operator), Escape Wheel Tooth Cutter, Feed Mill Operator, File Cutter, Gear Milling Machine Set Up Operator, Gear Roller, Grind Operator, Grinder Operator, Hooking Machine Operator, Keyseater Operator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.