Shigoto Zukan
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How to become Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plasticeducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$52,800
25th–75th pct. $45,210–$64,900
Top pay (est.)
$105,300
Top 10% $81,030
Pay in 5 years
$59,000est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$66,000est.
$56,800–$76,700
Outlook score
35/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
42%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
−13.2%
1,000 openings / yr

How to become Milling and Planing Machine 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 Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Key skills

Operations Monitoring
3.9
Operation and Control
3.2
Monitoring
3.1
Quality Control Analysis
3.0
Critical Thinking
3.0
Active Listening
2.9
Troubleshooting
2.8
Reading Comprehension
2.8

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
4.3
Production and Processing
4.0
Computers and Electronics
3.8
Mathematics
3.7
Engineering and Technology
3.7
Administration and Management
3.3
Education and Training
3.3
Design
3.1

What the work involves

Controlling Machines and ProcessesHandling and Moving ObjectsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsProcessing InformationRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

Important abilities

Control PrecisionArm-Hand SteadinessReaction TimeManual DexterityOral ComprehensionNear Vision

Education of workers

High school diploma
47%
Bachelor's degree
19%
Post-secondary certificate
15%
Less than high school
10%
Some college
9%

Training before entry

3–6 months
26%
6–12 months
21%
1–2 years
18%
None / short demo
17%
Up to 1 month
11%
2–4 years
5%
1–3 months
1%
4–10 years
1%

Related work experience

1–2 years
20%
None
17%
6–8 years
13%
Over 10 years
11%
8–10 years
11%
4–6 years
9%
2–4 years
9%
3–6 months
8%
6–12 months
2%

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

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as Milling and Planing Machine 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.