How to become Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plasticeducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$50,140
25th–75th pct. $44,020–$61,880
Top pay (est.)
$91,400
Top 10% $70,310
Pay in 5 years
$56,500est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$63,700est.
$54,800–$74,000
Outlook score
29/100
★☆☆☆☆ Weak
AI replacement risk
44%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
−8.3%
1,900 openings / yr

How to become Rolling 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 Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Key skills

Operations Monitoring
4.0
Quality Control Analysis
3.9
Operation and Control
3.9
Time Management
3.0
Critical Thinking
3.0
Coordination
3.0
Troubleshooting
3.0
Equipment Maintenance
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
4.5
Production and Processing
4.3
English Language
3.8
Customer and Personal Service
3.5
Education and Training
3.5
Administration and Management
2.9
Public Safety and Security
2.6
Mathematics
2.5

What the work involves

Controlling Machines and ProcessesHandling and Moving ObjectsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesUpdating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Important abilities

Reaction TimeControl PrecisionMultilimb CoordinationRate ControlNear VisionOral Expression

Education of workers

High school diploma
74%
Less than high school
13%
Some college
10%
Post-secondary certificate
3%

Training before entry

1–3 months
46%
None / short demo
20%
6–12 months
16%
1–2 years
10%
Up to 1 month
5%
3–6 months
1%

Related work experience

None
30%
1–2 years
21%
2–4 years
15%
1–3 months
13%
Up to 1 month
13%
6–12 months
6%
4–6 years
2%

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 Rolling 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.