CFChooseField
Production

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
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Median pay

$45,590
Median annual pay for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-12.1%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

14,400
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

174,700
Estimated U.S. employment for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-21,100
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Monitoring
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Active Learning
  6. 6Reading Comprehension

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Production and Processing
  2. 2Mechanical
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Mathematics
  5. 5Engineering and Technology
  6. 6Education and Training

Abilities

  1. 1Arm-Hand Steadiness
  2. 2Control Precision
  3. 3Near Vision
  4. 4Information Ordering
  5. 5Manual Dexterity
  6. 6Reaction Time

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Artistic
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Social

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Stress Tolerance
  5. 5Perseverance
  6. 6Self-Control

Work activities

  1. 1Handling and Moving Objects
  2. 2Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  3. 3Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  4. 4Controlling Machines and Processes
  5. 5Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  6. 6Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Exposed to Contaminants
  3. 3Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  4. 4Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  5. 5Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  6. 6Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

Representative tasks

  • Measure completed workpieces to verify conformance to specifications, using micrometers, gauges, calipers, templates, or rulers.
  • Examine completed workpieces for defects, such as chipped edges or marred surfaces and sort defective pieces according to types of flaws.
  • Read work orders or production schedules to determine specifications, such as materials to be used, locations of cutting lines, or dimensions and tolerances.
  • Start machines, monitor their operations, and record operational data.
  • Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
  • Test and adjust machine speeds or actions, according to product specifications, using gauges and hand tools.
  • Load workpieces, plastic material, or chemical solutions into machines.
  • Turn controls to set cutting speeds, feed rates, or table angles for specified operations.

Software and tools

Autodesk AutoCAD · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyAutomated inventory softwareComputerized numerical control CNC softwareOperational databasesStriker Systems SS-Punch

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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