Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Also called: Plating Machine Operators
Set up, operate, or tend plating machines to coat metal or plastic products with chromium, zinc, copper, cadmium, nickel, or other metal to protect or decorate surfaces. Typically, the product being coated is immersed in molten metal or an electrolytic solution.
Also called: Alodize Machine Operator, Anode Machine Operator, Anodic Operator, Anodic Treater, Anodize Machine Operator, Anodizer
Median pay
$43,960
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$33,790 – $60,370
People employed
32,410
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.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 3.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 4.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 5.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 6.Do you want the same hours every week?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Long hours on your feet
- Exposure to hazardous conditions
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay by state
Annual median pay by state (40 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary in every state →
What plating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic do
- 01Immerse workpieces in coating solutions or liquid metal or plastic for specified times.
- 02Adjust dials to regulate flow of current and voltage supplied to terminals to control plating processes.
- 03Inspect coated or plated areas for defects, such as air bubbles or uneven coverage.
- 04Set up, operate, or tend plating or coating machines to coat metal or plastic products with chromium, zinc, copper, cadmium, nickel, or other metal to protect or decorate surfaces.
- 05Observe gauges to ensure that machines are operating properly, making adjustments or stopping machines when problems occur.
- 06Remove objects from solutions at periodic intervals and observe objects to verify conformance to specifications.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
Knowledge
- Production and Processing
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- English Language
- Mechanical
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
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 month, up to and including 3 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 plating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic91% · +5%
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers88% · +5%
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders85% · +10%
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders85% · +6%
- Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders84% · −13%
Change into plating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders85% · $48,250
- Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators85% · $46,880
- Semiconductor Processing Technicians83% · $51,430
- Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders81% · $43,530
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic81% · $46,170