Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators And Tenders, Metal And Plastic
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators And Tenders, Metal And Plastic set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.
Table of contents
What they do
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators And Tenders, Metal And Plastic set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.
- Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.
- Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces.
- Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine the accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments.
- Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.
Typical day
On a daily basis, CNC Machine Setters select the proper coolants and lubricants and start their flow. They select, install, and adjust the alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.
A typical day for a Multiple Machine Tool Setter, Operator and Tender, Metal and Plastic will also include:
- Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.
- Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs.
- Record operational data, such as pressure readings, lengths of strokes, feed rates, or speeds.
- Compute data, such as gear dimensions or machine settings, applying knowledge of shop mathematics.
- Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists.
Other responsibilities
Besides their typical day, CNC Machine Setters also align layout marks with dies or blades. They may also make minor electrical and mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines and notify supervisors when major service is required.
On a weekly to monthly basis, CNC Machine Setters instruct other workers in machine set-up and operation. They might also change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools.
In addition, they perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs.
Although specific duties may vary, many of them select the proper coolants and lubricants and start their flow.
To some CNC Machine Setters, it is also their responsibility to remove burrs, sharp edges, rust, or scale from workpieces, using files, hand grinders, wire brushes, or power tools.
What is the job like
Job satisfaction
Is this job meaningful
52% said they were satisfied with their job and 35% said they found their job meaningful.
Pros
Suitable for people who like practical and hands-on work.
Suitable for people who want to work in a supportive work environment.
This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.
It is easy to get into this career. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
Cons
Not suitable for people who like to work with designs.
One of the lowest paying jobs.
Demand for this career is declining.
How much do they make
Average salary
Average hourly wage
Entry-level Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators And Tenders, Metal And Plastic with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $26,000 to $30,410 per year or $12 to $15 per hour.
Salary by experience | Annual | Hourly |
---|---|---|
Highest (Top 10%) | $59,050 | $28 |
Senior (Top 25%) | $47,650 | $23 |
Median | $37,510 | $18 |
Junior (Bottom 25%) | $30,410 | $15 |
No experience (Bottom 10%) | $26,000 | $12 |
This table shows the top 10 highest paying industries for Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators And Tenders, Metal And Plastic based on their average annual salary.
Salary by industry | Annual | Hourly |
---|---|---|
Other Specialty Trade Contractors | $52670 | $25.32 |
Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers | $49190 | $23.65 |
Management of Companies and Enterprises | $48150 | $23.15 |
Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard Mills | $47460 | $22.82 |
Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing | $46050 | $22.14 |
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing | $45490 | $21.87 |
Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing | $44350 | $21.32 |
Printing and Related Support Activities | $43880 | $21.10 |
Building Equipment Contractors | $43790 | $21.05 |
Converted Paper Product Manufacturing | $43460 | $20.90 |
View more salary by industries here.
Where can they work
Where can Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators And Tenders, Metal And Plastic work? Here is a table showing the top 10 largest employers of Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators And Tenders, Metal And Plastic including the average salary in that industry.
Employers | Total Employed | Annual Salary | Hourly Wages |
---|---|---|---|
Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing | 16120 | $39940 | $19.20 |
Plastics Product Manufacturing | 13880 | $35440 | $17.04 |
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing | 13100 | $38410 | $18.47 |
Employment Services | 11620 | $32070 | $15.42 |
Machinery Manufacturing | 10200 | $40760 | $19.60 |
Motor Vehicle Manufacturing | 8370 | $ | $* |
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing | 6540 | $38590 | $18.56 |
Machine Shops; Turned Product; and Screw, Nut, and Bolt Manufacturing | 6220 | $41090 | $19.75 |
Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing | 4780 | $38740 | $18.62 |
Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing | 3730 | $36180 | $17.39 |
What is the work day like
Working hours
Working schedule
How often do you use email in this job?
Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Group discussions
How often do you have group discussions in this job?
Public speaking
How often does this job require you to do public speaking?
Level of competition
How much competitive pressure is in this job?
What is the work environment like
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
How to become one
Difficulty to become one
Required level of education
What level of education do you need to perform the job?
Relevant majors
Machine Tool Technology/Machinist
Machine Shop Technology/Assistant
Relevant work experience
How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?
On The Job Training
How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?
Should you become one
Best personality type for this career
People with this personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.
People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.
People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.
People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.
People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tend to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.
Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.
Work Values
Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?
You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.
You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.
You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.
You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.
You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.
You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.
Don’t know which career to pursue?
Take the career quiz to find careers that match your personality type.
Take The Career Quiz