Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Also called: Multiple Machine Tool Operators
Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.
Also called: Automatic Wheel-Line Operator, Ballistics Laboratory Gunsmith, Cell Technician, Centrifugal Control Switch Machine Operator, Clock Machine Setter, CNC Machine Setter (Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Setter)
Median pay
$47,180
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$35,780 – $74,450
People employed
124,590
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.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 2.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 3.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 4.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 5.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 6.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Long hours on your feet
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (45 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary in every state →
What multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic do
- 01Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments.
- 02Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists.
- 03Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.
- 04Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.
- 05Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.
- 06Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Design
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: none.
- On-the-job training: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
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 multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing89% · −8%
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders89% · −1%
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators88% · +7%
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers85% · −2%
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders84% · +7%
Change into multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators91% · $50,690
- Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders90% · $38,760
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders89% · $46,570
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers88% · $46,350
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders86% · $46,460
Majors that lead here
- Machine Tool Technology/Machinist
- Machine Shop Technology/Assistant
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.