Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate equipment that cuts, shapes, and forms metal and plastic materials or pieces.
Metal and plastic machine workers typically do the following:
Metal and plastic machine workers operate equipment that creates the parts for consumer products. In general, these workers are separated into two groups: those who set up machines for operation and those who operate machines during production. However, many workers perform both tasks.
Although many workers both set up and operate machines, some specialize in being either a machine setter or a machine operator and tender.
Machine setters, or setup workers, prepare the machines before production, do test runs, and, if necessary, adjust and make minor repairs to the machinery before and during operation. Computer numerically controlled (CNC) setters upload computer control programs.
After installing the tools into a machine, setup workers often produce the initial batch of goods, inspect the products, and turn over the machine to an operator.
Machine operators and tenders monitor the machinery during production.
After a setter prepares a machine for production, an operator observes the machine and the products it makes. Operators may have to load the machine with materials for production or adjust machine speeds during production. They must periodically inspect the parts that a machine produces to ensure everything works properly, repairing equipment as needed. For example, the parts a machine produces may show defects if the cutting tool inside a machine becomes dull or damaged after extended use. When that happens, it is common for an operator to remove the worn tool and replace it with a new one produced by tool and die makers. Operators may fix minor problems themselves but may have an industrial machinery mechanic fix more serious problems.
Setters, operators, and tenders are usually identified by the type of machine they work with. Job duties generally vary with the size of the manufacturer and the type of machine being operated. Although some workers specialize in one or two types of machines, others are trained to set up or operate a variety of them. Automation often allows machine operators to control multiple machines at the same time.
In addition, production techniques, such as team-oriented “lean” manufacturing, require machine operators to rotate between different machines. Rotating assignments results in more varied work but also requires workers to have a range of skills.
The following are examples of types of metal and plastic machine workers:
Computer numerically controlled tool operators operate CNC equipment or robots to perform functions on metal or plastic workpieces.
Computer numerically controlled tool programmers develop computer programs to control the machining or processing of metal or plastic parts by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems.
Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders set up or operate machines to saw, cut, shear, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic materials.
Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders set up or operate drilling machines to drill, bore, mill, or countersink metal or plastic workpieces.
Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders set up or operate machines to extrude (pull out) thermoplastic or metal materials in the form of tubes, rods, hoses, wire, bars, or structural shapes.
Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders set up or operate machines that shape or form metal or plastic into parts.
Foundry mold and coremakers make or form wax or sand cores or molds used in the production of metal castings in foundries.
Grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders set up or operate grinding and related machine tools that remove excess material from surfaces, sharpen edges or corners, or buff or polish metal or plastic workpieces.
Heat-treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders set up or operate heating equipment, such as heat-treating furnaces, flame-hardening machines, induction machines, soaking pits, or vacuum equipment, to temper, harden, anneal, or heat treat metal or plastic objects.
Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders set up or operate lathe and turning machines to turn, bore, thread, or form metal or plastic materials, such as bars, rods, and castings.
Metal-refining furnace operators and tenders operate or tend furnaces, such as gas, oil, coal, electric-arc or electric-induction, and oxygen furnaces. These furnaces may be used to melt and refine metal before casting.
Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders set up or operate milling or planing machines to shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic workpieces.
Model makers set up and operate machines, such as milling and engraving machines, to make working models of metal or plastic objects. They may also use 3D printing technology.
Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders set up or operate metal or plastic molding, casting, or coremaking machines to mold or cast metal or thermoplastic parts or products.
Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders set up or operate two or more types of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.
Patternmakers lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns and core molds.
Plating machine setters, operators, and tenders set up or operate plating machines and perform chemical checks for coating metal or plastic products with zinc, copper, nickel, or some other metal to protect or decorate surfaces.
Pourers and casters operate computer- or hand-controlled machines to pour and regulate the flow of molten metal into molds to produce castings or ingots.
Rolling machine setters, operators, and tenders set up or operate machines to roll steel or plastic or to flatten, temper, or reduce the thickness of materials.
Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders (including workers who operate laser cutters or laser-beam machines) set up or operate welding, soldering, or brazing machines or robots that weld, braze, solder, or heat treat metal products, components, or assemblies.
Metal and plastic machine workers held about 1.1 million jobs in 2019. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up metal and plastic machine workers was distributed as follows:
| Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | 195,700 |
| Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | 173,400 |
| Computer numerically controlled tool operators | 152,400 |
| Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | 150,500 |
| Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | 77,400 |
| Grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | 77,100 |
| Plating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | 42,100 |
| Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders | 37,200 |
| Rolling machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | 32,600 |
| Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | 28,200 |
| Computer numerically controlled tool programmers | 25,700 |
| Heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | 20,100 |
| Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | 19,200 |
| Foundry mold and coremakers | 17,600 |
| Metal-refining furnace operators and tenders | 17,100 |
| Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | 16,400 |
| Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | 11,200 |
| Pourers and casters, metal | 8,000 |
| Model makers, metal and plastic | 4,400 |
| Patternmakers, metal and plastic | 3,100 |
The largest employers of metal and plastic machine workers were as follows:
| Fabricated metal product manufacturing | 26% |
| Plastics and rubber products manufacturing | 16 |
| Transportation equipment manufacturing | 14 |
| Primary metal manufacturing | 12 |
| Machinery manufacturing | 10 |
These workers often operate powerful, high-speed machines that can be dangerous and must observe safety rules. Operators usually wear protective equipment, such as safety glasses, earplugs, and steel-toed boots, to guard against flying particles of metal or plastic, machine noise, and heavy objects, respectively.
Other required safety equipment varies by work setting and machine. For example, respirators are common for those in the plastics industry who work near materials that emit dangerous fumes or dust.
Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations.
Most metal and plastic machine workers are employed full time. Some work more than 40 hours per week. Because many manufacturers run their machinery for extended periods, evening and weekend work is also common.
Metal and plastic workers typically need a high school diploma to enter the occupation and receive 1 year of on-the-job training. Computer numerically controlled (CNC) tool programmers typically need postsecondary education.
Although metal and plastic machine workers typically need a high school diploma, CNC tool programmers usually need coursework beyond high school. Some community colleges and other schools offer courses and certificate programs in operating metal and plastics machines including CNC programming.
For metal and plastic machine workers, high school classes in computer programming, math, and vocational technology may be useful.
Machine operator trainees usually begin by watching and helping experienced workers on the job. Under supervision, they may supply materials, start and stop the machines, or remove finished products. Then, they advance to operators’ more difficult tasks, such as adjusting feeds and speeds, replacing tools, and measuring finished products for conformance. Eventually, some operators develop the skills and experience to set up machines.
The complexity of the equipment usually determines the time required to become an operator. Some operators and tenders are trained on basic machine operations and functions in a few months. Others, such as CNC tool operators, may need training for up to 1 year.
Because of the prevalence of computerized machines in manufacturing, training on computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and CNC equipment may be helpful.
Certification can show competence and can be helpful for advancement. The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) offers certification in numerous metalworking specializations.
With skill and experience, workers may advance to positions that offer higher pay and more responsibility. It is common for machine operators to move into setup or machinery maintenance positions. Setup workers may become industrial machinery mechanics and maintenance workers, machinists, or tool and die makers.
Experienced workers with good communication and analytical skills may advance to supervisory positions.
Computer skills. Metal and plastic machine workers must be able to use programmable devices, computers, and robots on the factory floor.
Mechanical skills. These workers must be comfortable with machines and have a good understanding of how all the parts work.
Physical stamina. Metal and plastic machine workers must be able to stand for long periods and do repetitive tasks.
Physical strength. Metal and plastic machine workers must be able to secure and tighten heavy fixtures into place.
Median annual wages, May 2020
The median annual wage for metal and plastic machine workers was $38,270 in May 2020. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $26,460, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $60,010.
Median annual wages for metal and plastic machine workers in May 2020 were as follows:
| Computer numerically controlled tool programmers | $57,740 |
| Model makers, metal and plastic | 54,780 |
| Patternmakers, metal and plastic | 48,160 |
| Metal-refining furnace operators and tenders | 44,610 |
| Rolling machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | 43,600 |
| Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | 43,150 |
| Computer numerically controlled tool operators | 42,260 |
| Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | 41,430 |
| Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | 41,380 |
| Pourers and casters, metal | 40,170 |
| Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | 39,780 |
| Heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | 39,530 |
| Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders | 39,410 |
| Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | 37,530 |
| Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | 37,510 |
| Foundry mold and coremakers | 37,140 |
| Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | 36,980 |
| Grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | 36,880 |
| Plating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | 34,850 |
| Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | 33,100 |
In May 2020, the median annual wages for metal and plastic machine workers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Machinery manufacturing | $41,380 |
| Primary metal manufacturing | 40,580 |
| Transportation equipment manufacturing | 40,520 |
| Fabricated metal product manufacturing | 38,500 |
| Plastics and rubber products manufacturing | 33,910 |
Most metal and plastic machine workers are employed full time. Some work more than 40 hours per week. Because many manufacturers run their machinery for extended periods, evening and weekend work also is common.
Percent change in employment, projected 2019-29
Employment of metal and plastic machine workers is projected to decline 7 percent from 2019 to 2029. Employment declines are expected to stem from continued advances in technology and foreign competition.
One of the most important factors influencing employment of these occupations is the use of labor-saving machinery. Many firms are adopting technologies such as computer numerically controlled (CNC) tools and robots to improve quality and lower production costs. The switch to CNC equipment requires computer programmers instead of machine setters, operators, and tenders. Therefore, demand for manual tool operators and tenders is likely to be reduced while demand for CNC programmers is expected to be strong.
The demand for metal and plastic machine workers is also affected by the demand for the parts they produce. Both the plastic and metal manufacturing industries face foreign competition that limits the orders for parts produced in this country. Some U.S. manufacturers have moved their production to foreign countries, reducing jobs for machine setters and operators. However, some companies are bringing jobs back to the United States from overseas, and this is expected to continue over the coming decade.
Despite projected employment declines, about 89,800 openings for metal and plastic machine workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Workers who are able to operate CNC equipment and have industry certifications should have the best job prospects.
| Occupational Title | SOC Code | Employment, 2019 | Projected Employment, 2029 | Change, 2019-29 | Employment by Industry | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | ||||||
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program |
|||||||
Metal and plastic machine workers |
— | 1,109,400 | 1,033,700 | -7 | -75,800 | — | |
Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic |
51-4021 | 77,400 | 69,200 | -11 | -8,200 | Get data | |
Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic |
51-4022 | 16,400 | 13,000 | -21 | -3,500 | Get data | |
Rolling machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic |
51-4023 | 32,600 | 28,900 | -11 | -3,700 | Get data | |
Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic |
51-4031 | 195,700 | 179,400 | -8 | -16,300 | Get data | |
Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic |
51-4032 | 11,200 | 9,100 | -19 | -2,100 | Get data | |
Grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic |
51-4033 | 77,100 | 70,800 | -8 | -6,300 | Get data | |
Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic |
51-4034 | 28,200 | 25,300 | -10 | -2,900 | Get data | |
Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic |
51-4035 | 19,200 | 15,600 | -19 | -3,600 | Get data | |
Metal-refining furnace operators and tenders |
51-4051 | 17,100 | 17,100 | 0 | 0 | Get data | |
Pourers and casters, metal |
51-4052 | 8,000 | 7,300 | -9 | -700 | Get data | |
Model makers, metal and plastic |
51-4061 | 4,400 | 4,100 | -8 | -400 | Get data | |
Patternmakers, metal and plastic |
51-4062 | 3,100 | 2,800 | -8 | -300 | Get data | |
Foundry mold and coremakers |
51-4071 | 17,600 | 16,500 | -6 | -1,000 | Get data | |
Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic |
51-4072 | 173,400 | 156,700 | -10 | -16,700 | Get data | |
Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic |
51-4081 | 150,500 | 153,600 | 2 | 3,100 | Get data | |
Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders |
51-4122 | 37,200 | 34,700 | -7 | -2,500 | Get data | |
Heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic |
51-4191 | 20,100 | 18,000 | -10 | -2,100 | Get data | |
Plating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic |
51-4193 | 42,100 | 38,400 | -9 | -3,700 | Get data | |
Computer numerically controlled tool operators |
51-9161 | 152,400 | 141,700 | -7 | -10,700 | Get data | |
Computer numerically controlled tool programmers |
51-9162 | 25,700 | 31,300 | 22 | 5,600 | Get data | |
For more information about metal and plastic machine workers, including training and certification, visit
Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA)
National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS)
For information about manufacturing careers, machinery, and equipment, visit
Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT)
National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA)
Precision Machined Products Association (PMPA)
Precision Metalforming Association (PMA)
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders