Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

SOC: 51-4081 O*NET: 51-4081.00
Median Salary
$47,180
per year
Job Growth
📉 0.6%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
11.6
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2

Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.

What does a 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.

How much can you earn?

Entry Level
$35,780
10th percentile
Early Career
$39,420
25th percentile
Median
$47,180
50th percentile
Experienced
$57,800
75th percentile
Top Earners
$74,450
90th percentile

National Salary Distribution

10th
$35,780
25th
$39,420
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$47,180
Mean: $50,030
75th
$57,800
90th
$74,450
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)

Key Insights

  • •Salary range spans $38,670 from entry level to top earners
  • •Middle 50% earn between $39,420 and $57,800
  • •Salary spread is 39.0% around the median, showing moderate variation
  • •Total national employment: 124,590 professionals

What's the job outlook?

Job Market Intelligence

Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk

Current Employment

National Employment:127,100

Top Industries

Manufacturing82.3%
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing20.8%
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing17.6%

10-Year Outlook

Growth Rate:+0.6%
Annual Openings:11,600

Employment Projections

2025 (Current)127,100
Current
2035 (Projected)127,900
+0.6%
+800
Employment Change
+0.6%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection

Growth Category: More slowly than average

Geographic Salary & Employment Data

Explore where Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic professionals work across the United States

Showing 15 of 45 locations
Ohio
11,170 jobs$46,4202.51x
Texas
10,540 jobs$49,0500.94x
Michigan
9,350 jobs$45,9202.65x
Pennsylvania
7,960 jobs$48,0701.64x
Indiana
7,480 jobs$45,1002.91x
Missouri
7,220 jobs$53,1603.07x
Illinois
6,090 jobs$44,3501.25x
Kentucky
5,510 jobs$54,9603.44x
South Carolina
4,520 jobs$45,7402.45x
Iowa
4,460 jobs$48,9103.57x
New York
3,660 jobs$49,8900.47x
Wisconsin
3,570 jobs$47,7001.52x
North Carolina
3,200 jobs$47,3200.81x
California
3,190 jobs$46,8100.22x
New Jersey
3,090 jobs$41,3900.90x

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 2025

Key Growth Factors

    Standard growth expectations for this occupation

    What skills do you need?

    Top 10 Most Important Skills

    #1
    Operations Monitoring
    100%
    #2
    Production and Processing
    100%
    #3
    Control Precision
    100%
    #4
    Quality Control Analysis
    94%
    #5
    Arm-Hand Steadiness
    92%
    #6
    Mechanical
    86%
    #7
    Judgment and Decision Making
    86%
    #8
    Near Vision
    82%
    #9
    Monitoring
    80%
    #10
    Operation and Control
    74%

    Skills Overview

    Operations Monitoring
    advanced5.0
    100%
    Production and Processing
    advanced5.0
    100%
    Control Precision
    advanced5.0
    100%
    Quality Control Analysis
    advanced4.7
    94%
    Arm-Hand Steadiness
    advanced4.6
    92%
    Mechanical
    intermediate4.3
    86%
    Judgment and Decision Making
    intermediate4.3
    86%
    Near Vision
    intermediate4.1
    82%

    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

    advanced
    Importance100%
    skills
    5.0/5.0

    Production and Processing

    advanced
    Importance100%
    knowledge
    5.0/5.0

    Control Precision

    advanced
    Importance100%
    abilities
    5.0/5.0

    Quality Control Analysis

    advanced
    Importance94%
    skills
    4.7/5.0

    Arm-Hand Steadiness

    advanced
    Importance92%
    abilities
    4.6/5.0

    Mechanical

    intermediate
    Importance86%
    knowledge
    4.3/5.0

    Judgment and Decision Making

    intermediate
    Importance86%
    abilities
    4.3/5.0

    Near Vision

    intermediate
    Importance82%
    abilities
    4.1/5.0

    Monitoring

    intermediate
    Importance80%
    skills
    4.0/5.0

    Operation and Control

    intermediate
    Importance74%
    abilities
    3.7/5.0

    Manual Dexterity

    intermediate
    Importance74%
    abilities
    3.7/5.0

    Mathematics

    intermediate
    Importance70%
    knowledge
    3.5/5.0

    Highly Transferable Skills

    These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:

    Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics82%
    5 shared skills
    Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers82%
    5 shared skills
    Agricultural Equipment Operators70%
    5 shared skills
    Logging Equipment Operators70%
    5 shared skills
    Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians67%
    5 shared skills
    Boilermakers67%
    5 shared skills

    Skills by Career Stage

    Entry Level

    Must Have:
    • ✓Monitoring
    • ✓Production and Processing
    • ✓Mechanical
    Learn on the Job:
    • →Equipment Maintenance
    • →Troubleshooting
    • →English Language

    Mid Career

    Expected:
    • ✓Operations Monitoring
    • ✓Quality Control Analysis
    • ✓Monitoring
    • ✓Production and Processing
    • ✓Mechanical

    Senior Level

    Mastery Required:
    • ★Quality Control Analysis
    • ★Production and Processing
    • ★Mechanical
    • ★Judgment and Decision Making
    • ★Control Precision

    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 Multiple Machine Tool 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 Tech

    Microsoft Outlook

    🔥 Hot Tech

    SAP software

    🔥 Hot Tech

    Microsoft Office software

    🔥 Hot Tech

    Microsoft Windows

    🔥 Hot Tech

    Microsoft Excel

    🔥 Hot Tech

    Microsoft Word

    🔥 Hot Tech

    Technology Stack

    Technology Stack Overview

    Key technologies used in this career

    Autodesk AutoCAD
    Microsoft Outlook
    SAP software
    Microsoft Office software
    Microsoft Windows
    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
    OCCASIONAL

    💡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 (16)Planning & Development (1)Operations & Execution (2)Training & Development (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)
    1

    Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments.

    🔴
    Daily
    Importance:
    100%
    General Responsibilities100% perform
    2

    Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.

    🔴
    Daily
    Importance:
    98%
    General Responsibilities97% perform
    3

    Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.

    🔴
    Daily
    Importance:
    96%
    Planning & Development94% perform
    4

    Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces.

    🔴
    Daily
    Importance:
    94%
    Operations & Execution91% perform
    5

    Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists.

    🔴
    Daily
    Importance:
    92%
    General Responsibilities88% perform
    6

    Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.

    🔴
    Daily
    Importance:
    90%
    General Responsibilities85% perform
    7

    Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools.

    🔴
    Daily
    Importance:
    88%
    General Responsibilities82% perform
    8

    Make minor electrical and mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines and notify supervisors when major service is required.

    🔴
    Daily
    Importance:
    86%
    General Responsibilities79% perform
    9

    Start machines and turn handwheels or valves to engage feeding, cooling, and lubricating mechanisms.

    🟡
    Weekly
    Importance:
    84%
    General Responsibilities76% perform
    10

    Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs.

    🟡
    Weekly
    Importance:
    82%
    Operations & Execution73% perform

    💡 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 Multiple Machine Tool 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?

    Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support

    RRealistic
    CConventional
    IInvestigative

    Important Personality Traits

    Work styles that contribute to success as a Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

    Attention to Detail

    Critical

    Attention to Detail

    Importance Level4.63

    Persistence

    Very Important

    Persistence

    Importance Level4.39

    Dependability

    Very Important

    Dependability

    Importance Level4.35

    Integrity

    Very Important

    Integrity

    Importance Level4.33

    Stress Tolerance

    Very Important

    Stress Tolerance

    Importance Level4.33

    Adaptability/Flexibility

    Very Important

    Adaptability/Flexibility

    Importance Level4.32

    Complete Work Styles Profile

    Attention to Detail
    4.6
    Persistence
    4.4
    Dependability
    4.3
    Integrity
    4.3
    Stress Tolerance
    4.3
    Adaptability/Flexibility
    4.3
    Initiative
    4.3
    Independence
    4.2
    Achievement/Effort
    4.1
    Cooperation
    4.1

    💡 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

    Ready to Start Your Journey?

    Explore educational programs that can help you become a Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic.

    Browse Training Programs →

    The Apprenticeship Route: Earn While You Learn

    You don't necessarily need to pay for school to enter this field. There are 234 registered apprenticeship sponsors for this occupation in the U.S. DOL system — including 20 union/joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one, typically starting at 40–50% of the journeyman rate, and finish with no tuition debt.

    Most sponsors: SC (74) , MI (13) , OH (13) , PA (13) , TN (13)

    How apprenticeships work →Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov)

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