Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
SOC Code: 51-4081Also known as:
Automatic Wheel-Line Operator, Ballistics Laboratory Gunsmith, Cell Technician, Centrifugal Control Switch Machine Operator, Clock Machine Setter
Median Annual Salary
$46,060
-0.5% growth (2024-2034)
13K
Openings/Year
131K
Current Jobs
What Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic Do
Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.
💰 Salary
$46,060
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-0.5%
Little or no change
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
13K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
131,000
Projected Employment (2034)
130,300
Related Careers
Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$48,620 •
-13.6% growth
Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$48,310 •
-14.4% 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
Quality Control Analysis
Monitoring
Operation and Control
Equipment Maintenance
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Remove burrs, sharp edges, rust, or scale from workpieces, using files, hand grinders, wire brushes, or power tools.
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 Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic:
Machine Tool Technology/Machinist
3,539 degrees awarded •
248 colleges offer this program
Machine Shop Technology/Assistant
1,634 degrees awarded •
97 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Multiple machine tool 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 multiple machine tool 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 multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic make?
The median annual salary for multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $46,060.
What education do multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic need?
Most multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Machine Tool Technology/Machinist, Machine Shop Technology/Assistant.
Is becoming a multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic a good career choice?
Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is projected to see -0.5% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 12,800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Top colleges for aspiring multiple machine tool 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, Northeast Technology Center.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic may also be known as: Automatic Wheel-Line Operator, Ballistics Laboratory Gunsmith, Cell Technician, Centrifugal Control Switch Machine Operator, Clock Machine Setter, CNC Machine Setter (Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Setter), Combination Machine Tool Operator, Combination Machine Tool Setter, Electrode Turner and Finisher, Fabrication Set-Up Person, Four Slide Machine Setter, Four-Slide Machine Setter, Gear Cutting Machine Set-Up Operator, Gear Cutting Machine Setup Operator, Gear Hobber Set-Up Operator, Gear Hobber Setup Operator, Gear Milling Machine Set-Up Operator, Gear Shaper Set-Up Operator, Gear Shaver Set-Up Operator, Gunsmith.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.