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

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$47,180
25th–75th pct. $39,420–$57,800
Top pay (est.)
$96,800
Top 10% $74,450
Pay in 5 years
$54,400est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$62,800est.
$54,000–$72,900
Outlook score
41/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
41%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
+0.6%
12K openings / yr

How to become Multiple Machine Tool 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 Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Key skills

Operations Monitoring
4.0
Quality Control Analysis
3.5
Operation and Control
3.1
Critical Thinking
3.1
Equipment Maintenance
3.1
Complex Problem Solving
3.0
Repairing
3.0
Troubleshooting
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
4.3
Production and Processing
3.5
Mathematics
3.5
Education and Training
3.3
English Language
3.2
Design
3.2
Customer and Personal Service
3.1
Engineering and Technology
2.9

What the work involves

Controlling Machines and ProcessesHandling and Moving ObjectsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsProcessing InformationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Important abilities

Control PrecisionVisualizationOral ComprehensionNear VisionSelective AttentionOral Expression

Education of workers

High school diploma
82%
Post-secondary certificate
8%
Some college
6%
Associate's degree
4%
Less than high school
1%

Training before entry

2–4 years
21%
3–6 months
20%
6–12 months
16%
Up to 1 month
16%
1–2 years
13%
None / short demo
13%
1–3 months
1%

Related work experience

None
41%
2–4 years
21%
6–12 months
14%
4–6 years
8%
1–2 years
7%
3–6 months
6%
1–3 months
1%
Up to 1 month
1%

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 Multiple Machine Tool 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.