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Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Set up, operate, or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic work pieces.
Other titles employers use
CNC Licensed Mill Operator (Computer Numerical Control Licensed Mill Operator) · CNC Mill Operator (Computer Numerical Control Mill Operator) · CNC Mill Operator (Computerized Numerical Control Mill Operator) · CNC Mill Set Up Operator (Computerized Numerical Control Mill Set Up Operator) · Machine Operator · Machine Set Up Operator · Mill Operator · Miller
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- Remove workpieces from machines, and check to ensure that they conform to specifications, using measuring instruments such as microscopes, gauges, calipers, and micrometers.
- Verify alignment of workpieces on machines, using measuring instruments such as rules, gauges, or calipers.
- Move controls to set cutting specifications, to position cutting tools and workpieces in relation to each other, and to start machines.
- Observe milling or planing machine operation, and adjust controls to ensure conformance with specified tolerances.
- Select and install cutting tools and other accessories according to specifications, using hand tools or power tools.
- Position and secure workpieces on machines, using holding devices, measuring instruments, hand tools, and hoists.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical and organizing work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
Subjects to know
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
Useful strengths
- Manual Dexterity
- Near Vision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Control Precision
- Problem Sensitivity
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 3.3 | Shared rooms, but not shoulder to shoulder |
| On your feet | 4.5 | Standing or moving for most of it |
| Talking face to face | 4.3 | A regular part of the day |
| Working with your hands | 4.5 | Handling tools, instruments or materials |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a high school diploma. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- High school or less 57%
- A certificate or some college 24%
- A four-year degree 19%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Enterprise application integration software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
- Presentation software
- Word processing software
- Object or component oriented development software
- Industrial control software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 1,200
- Job openings each year
- 150
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- −14.3%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 1,200 | 150 | −14.3% |
| Michigan | 1,160 | 140 | −15.9% |
| Ohio | 1,160 | 140 | −15.9% |
| Florida | 990 | 130 | 2.1% |
| Indiana | 850 | 100 | −14.1% |
| Illinois | 770 | 100 | −7.2% |
| Tennessee | 640 | 80 | −7.2% |
| Missouri | 450 | 60 | −10.0% |
| New York | 410 | 0 | −12.8% |
| Iowa | 390 | 50 | −7.1% |
| Texas | 380 | 50 | −7.3% |
| Nevada | 360 | 50 | 12.5% |
| North Carolina | 340 | 40 | −8.1% |
| Connecticut | 300 | 40 | −3.2% |
| Pennsylvania | 290 | 40 | −9.4% |
| Georgia | 270 | 30 | −6.9% |
| Wisconsin | 270 | 30 | −3.6% |
| New Jersey | 240 | 30 | −4.0% |
| South Carolina | 220 | 30 | −8.3% |
| Idaho | 190 | 30 | 18.8% |
| Kentucky | 190 | 20 | −9.5% |
| Utah | 180 | 20 | — |
| Oregon | 170 | 20 | — |
| Alabama | 150 | 20 | 7.1% |
| Arkansas | 130 | 20 | −7.1% |
| Oklahoma | 130 | 20 | −7.1% |
| Louisiana | 120 | 20 | −7.7% |
| Mississippi | 110 | 10 | −8.3% |
| Nebraska | 100 | 10 | −9.1% |
| West Virginia | 100 | 10 | — |
| Virginia | 90 | 10 | −18.2% |
| Maryland | 80 | 10 | −11.1% |
| Massachusetts | 80 | 10 | −11.1% |
| Washington | 80 | 10 | — |
| Colorado | 70 | 10 | — |
| New Hampshire | 70 | 10 | −12.5% |
| Vermont | 40 | 0 | — |
| Wyoming | 40 | 10 | — |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.