Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
SOC: 51-4081 O*NET: 51-4081.00
Median Salary
$46,060
per year
Job Growth
📉 -0.5%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
12.8
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?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$34,130
10th percentile
Early Career
$38,320
25th percentile
Median
$46,060
50th percentile
Experienced
$56,220
75th percentile
Top Earners
$72,850
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$34,130
25th
$38,320
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$46,060
Mean: $48,590
75th
$56,220
90th
$72,850
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $38,720 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $38,320 and $56,220
- •Salary spread is 38.9% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 129,850 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:131,000
Top Industries
Manufacturing81.3%
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing20.7%
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing16.9%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-0.5%
Annual Openings:12,800
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)131,000
Current
2034 (Projected)130,300
-0.5%
-700
Employment Change
-0.5%
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 46 locations
Ohio
13,670 jobs$43,6002.94x
Texas
12,820 jobs$48,9401.10x
Michigan
8,820 jobs$42,3502.39x
Pennsylvania
8,300 jobs$47,5301.64x
Kentucky
5,950 jobs$49,5703.54x
Indiana
5,520 jobs$43,8102.06x
Missouri
5,400 jobs$58,2102.20x
Illinois
5,180 jobs$48,2101.01x
Florida
4,450 jobs$39,6700.54x
Iowa
4,350 jobs$48,6103.31x
Wisconsin
4,280 jobs$46,6801.74x
New York
4,150 jobs$49,6000.52x
South Carolina
4,000 jobs$45,5002.09x
Georgia
3,390 jobs$37,7700.83x
New Jersey
3,390 jobs$37,4900.95x
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
Quality Control Analysis
94%
#3
Judgment and Decision Making
86%
#4
Monitoring
80%
#5
Operation and Control
74%
#6
Equipment Maintenance
66%
#7
Troubleshooting
60%
#8
Complex Problem Solving
54%
#9
Active Listening
46%
#10
Repairing
40%
Skills Overview
Operations Monitoring
advanced5.0
100%
Quality Control Analysis
advanced4.7
94%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate4.3
86%
Monitoring
intermediate4.0
80%
Operation and Control
intermediate3.7
74%
Equipment Maintenance
intermediate3.3
66%
Troubleshooting
intermediate3.0
60%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced2.7
54%
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
Quality Control Analysis
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Operation and Control
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Equipment Maintenance
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Troubleshooting
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Active Listening
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Repairing
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
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
Learn on the Job:
- →Equipment Maintenance
- →Troubleshooting
- →Complex Problem Solving
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Quality Control Analysis
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Judgment and Decision Making
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Quality Control Analysis
- ★Judgment and Decision Making
- ★Operation and Control
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 TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Windows
🔥 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 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:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development94% perform96%
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:
Operations & Execution91% perform94%
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:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Make minor electrical and mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines and notify supervisors when major service is required.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Start machines and turn handwheels or valves to engage feeding, cooling, and lubricating mechanisms.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Operations & Execution73% 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 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
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.63
Persistence
Very ImportantPersistence
Importance Level4.39
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.35
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.33
Stress Tolerance
Very ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.33
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/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
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