Plating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
SOC Code: 51-4193Also known as:
Alodize Machine Operator, Anode Machine Operator, Anodic Operator, Anodic Treater, Anodize Machine Operator
Median Annual Salary
$41,600
-13.6% growth (2024-2034)
3K
Openings/Year
32K
Current Jobs
What Plating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic Do
Set up, operate, or tend plating machines to coat metal or plastic products with chromium, zinc, copper, cadmium, nickel, or other metal to protect or decorate surfaces. Typically, the product being coated is immersed in molten metal or an electrolytic solution.
💰 Salary
$41,600
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-13.6%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
3K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
31,700
Projected Employment (2034)
27,400
Related Careers
Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$41,230 •
-3.8% growth
Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders
$47,060 •
-9.0% growth
Heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$47,450 •
-12.8% growth
Coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders
$47,590 •
+0.7% growth
Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic
$45,690 •
+6.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Monitoring
Operation and Control
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Immerse workpieces in coating solutions or liquid metal or plastic for specified times.
- Adjust dials to regulate flow of current and voltage supplied to terminals to control plating processes.
- Inspect coated or plated areas for defects, such as air bubbles or uneven coverage.
- Set up, operate, or tend plating or coating machines to coat metal or plastic products with chromium, zinc, copper, cadmium, nickel, or other metal to protect or decorate surfaces.
- Observe gauges to ensure that machines are operating properly, making adjustments or stopping machines when problems occur.
- Remove objects from solutions at periodic intervals and observe objects to verify conformance to specifications.
- Maintain production records.
- Remove excess materials or impurities from objects, using air hoses or grinding machines.
- Examine completed objects to determine thicknesses of metal deposits, or measure thicknesses by using instruments such as micrometers.
- Rinse coated objects in cleansing liquids and dry them with cloths, centrifugal driers, or by tumbling in sawdust-filled barrels.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Less than High School
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do plating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic make?
The median annual salary for plating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $41,600.
What education do plating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic need?
Most plating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming a plating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic a good career choice?
Plating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is projected to see -13.6% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 2,500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for plating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to plating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Plating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic may also be known as: Alodize Machine Operator, Anode Machine Operator, Anodic Operator, Anodic Treater, Anodize Machine Operator, Anodizer, Anodizing Line Operator, Anodizing Operator, Anodizing Technician, Automatic Metal Spraying Machine Operator, Barrel Plater, Black Oxide Coating Equipment Tender, Bronze Plater, Browning Processor, Bullet Lubricating Machine Operator, Carbon Paper Coating Machine Setter, Ceramic Coater, Chrome Plater, Chrome Worker, Chromium Plater.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.