Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Also called: Milling and Planing Machine Operators
Set up, operate, or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic work pieces.
Also called: Barrel Rib Matting Machine Operator, Barrel Rifler, Boring Mill Operator, Broacher, Broaching Machine Operator, Broaching Machine Set Up Operator
Median pay
$52,800
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$37,840 – $81,030
People employed
12,460
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 2.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 3.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 4.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 5.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 6.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 7.Do you prefer working indoors?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (36 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic do
- 01Remove workpieces from machines, and check to ensure that they conform to specifications, using measuring instruments such as microscopes, gauges, calipers, and micrometers.
- 02Verify alignment of workpieces on machines, using measuring instruments such as rules, gauges, or calipers.
- 03Move controls to set cutting specifications, to position cutting tools and workpieces in relation to each other, and to start machines.
- 04Observe milling or planing machine operation, and adjust controls to ensure conformance with specified tolerances.
- 05Select and install cutting tools and other accessories according to specifications, using hand tools or power tools.
- 06Position and secure workpieces on machines, using holding devices, measuring instruments, hand tools, and hoists.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Writing
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators92% · −4%
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders89% · −12%
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing87% · −18%
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers83% · +2%
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers82% · −12%
Change into milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators95% · $50,690
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders91% · $46,570
- Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders91% · $38,760
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing91% · $43,380
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers90% · $46,350
Majors that lead here
- Machine Tool Technology/Machinist
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.