Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
SOC: 51-4031 O*NET: 51-4031.00
Median Salary
$45,590
per year
Job Growth
📉 -12.1%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
14.4
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
What does a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$35,000
10th percentile
Early Career
$38,400
25th percentile
Median
$45,590
50th percentile
Experienced
$52,150
75th percentile
Top Earners
$62,650
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$35,000
25th
$38,400
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$45,590
Mean: $47,060
75th
$52,150
90th
$62,650
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $27,650 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $38,400 and $52,150
- •Salary spread is 30.2% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 174,430 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:174,700
Top Industries
Manufacturing88.5%
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing33.2%
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing19.8%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-12.1%
Annual Openings:14,400
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)174,700
Current
2034 (Projected)153,600
-12.1%
-21,100
Employment Change
-12.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Decline
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 49 locations
Michigan
21,760 jobs$46,4704.38x
Ohio
14,770 jobs$43,9202.36x
Texas
12,260 jobs$41,6200.78x
Indiana
11,470 jobs$45,4003.18x
Wisconsin
9,110 jobs$48,7302.75x
Illinois
8,350 jobs$45,7001.22x
Pennsylvania
8,020 jobs$47,5101.18x
California
7,340 jobs$47,1000.36x
Kentucky
6,610 jobs$48,1702.93x
Alabama
6,020 jobs$39,4602.54x
Tennessee
5,910 jobs$44,0801.59x
Georgia
5,580 jobs$43,6301.02x
Minnesota
5,570 jobs$50,9601.69x
North Carolina
3,940 jobs$42,3300.71x
New York
3,790 jobs$45,1300.35x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operations Monitoring
100%
#2
Operation and Control
92%
#3
Critical Thinking
82%
#4
Speaking
74%
#5
Troubleshooting
66%
#6
Quality Control Analysis
58%
#7
Active Listening
48%
#8
Monitoring
40%
Skills Overview
Operations Monitoring
advanced5.0
100%
Operation and Control
advanced4.6
92%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.1
82%
Speaking
intermediate3.7
74%
Troubleshooting
intermediate3.3
66%
Quality Control Analysis
basic2.9
58%
Active Listening
basic2.4
48%
Monitoring
basic2.0
40%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Operations Monitoring
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Operation and Control
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Troubleshooting
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
basicImportance58%
skills
2.9/5.0
Active Listening
basicImportance48%
skills
2.4/5.0
Monitoring
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders89%
5 shared skills
Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders88%
5 shared skills
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas80%
5 shared skills
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators80%
5 shared skills
Machinists80%
5 shared skills
Roof Bolters, Mining80%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Learn on the Job:
- →Troubleshooting
- →Quality Control Analysis
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Operation and Control
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Operation and Control
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Speaking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Autodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Autodesk AutoCAD
Microsoft Outlook
SAP software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (17)Operations & Execution (2)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)Management & Supervision (1)
1
Measure completed workpieces to verify conformance to specifications, using micrometers, gauges, calipers, templates, or rulers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Examine completed workpieces for defects, such as chipped edges or marred surfaces and sort defective pieces according to types of flaws.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Read work orders or production schedules to determine specifications, such as materials to be used, locations of cutting lines, or dimensions and tolerances.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Load workpieces, plastic material, or chemical solutions into machines.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution88% perform92%
6
Start machines, monitor their operations, and record operational data.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping85% perform90%
7
Test and adjust machine speeds or actions, according to product specifications, using gauges and hand tools.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Install, align, and lock specified punches, dies, cutting blades, or other fixtures in rams or beds of machines, using gauges, templates, feelers, shims, and hand tools.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Clean and lubricate machines.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Position, align, and secure workpieces against fixtures or stops on machine beds or on dies.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value relationships
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.63
Attention to Detail
ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level3.99
Dependability
ImportantDependability
Importance Level3.64
Analytical Thinking
ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level3.57
Innovation
ImportantInnovation
Importance Level3.52
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
4.6
Attention to Detail
4.0
Dependability
3.6
Analytical Thinking
3.6
Innovation
3.5
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
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