CFChooseField
Production

Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Set up, operate, or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic work pieces.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
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Median pay

$48,310
Median annual pay for Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-14.4%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

1,100
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

13,800
Estimated U.S. employment for Milling and Planing 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

-2,000
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. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Monitoring
  3. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Speaking
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

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

Abilities

  1. 1Manual Dexterity
  2. 2Near Vision
  3. 3Arm-Hand Steadiness
  4. 4Control Precision
  5. 5Multilimb Coordination
  6. 6Problem Sensitivity

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. 4Achievement Orientation
  5. 5Stress Tolerance
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

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

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  3. 3Spend Time Standing
  4. 4Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  5. 5Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  6. 6Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

Representative tasks

  • Remove workpieces from machines, and check to ensure that they conform to specifications, using measuring instruments such as microscopes, gauges, calipers, and micrometers.
  • Verify alignment of workpieces on machines, using measuring instruments such as rules, gauges, or calipers.
  • Move controls to set cutting specifications, to position cutting tools and workpieces in relation to each other, and to start machines.
  • Observe milling or planing machine operation, and adjust controls to ensure conformance with specified tolerances.
  • Select and install cutting tools and other accessories according to specifications, using hand tools or power tools.
  • Position and secure workpieces on machines, using holding devices, measuring instruments, hand tools, and hoists.
  • Replace worn tools, using hand tools, and sharpen dull tools, using bench grinders.
  • Study blueprints, layouts, sketches, or work orders to assess workpiece specifications and to determine tooling instructions, tools and materials needed, and sequences of operations.

Software and tools

Autodesk AutoCAD · hot technologyExtensible markup language XML · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyEditCNCG-codeKentech machine shop softwareM-codeMastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing softwareSiemens Solid Edge

Sources

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

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