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How to become Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plasticeducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$48,750
25th–75th pct. $40,660–$58,400
Top pay (est.)
$86,300
Top 10% $66,350
Pay in 5 years
$54,900est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$61,900est.
$53,300–$71,900
Outlook score
30/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
37%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
−9.5%
1,100 openings / yr

How to become Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Key skills

Operation and Control
3.9
Operations Monitoring
3.8
Monitoring
3.4
Quality Control Analysis
3.2
Equipment Maintenance
3.1
Reading Comprehension
3.0
Critical Thinking
3.0
Instructing
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Production and Processing
4.2
Chemistry
3.2
Mathematics
3.1
Education and Training
3.1
Mechanical
2.8
Customer and Personal Service
2.5
Engineering and Technology
2.5
Design
2.4

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesPerforming General Physical ActivitiesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

Important abilities

Reaction TimeSelective AttentionStatic StrengthControl PrecisionNear VisionOral Expression

Education of workers

High school diploma
70%
Less than high school
20%
Post-secondary certificate
10%

Training before entry

3–6 months
36%
Up to 1 month
26%
6–12 months
20%
1–2 years
10%
None / short demo
9%

Related work experience

None
48%
6–12 months
31%
3–6 months
21%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.