Careers · Explore one path
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.
Other titles employers use
Cell Technician · CNC Machine Setter (Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Setter) · Fabrication Set-Up Person · Injection Molding Technician · Machine Operator · Machine Technician · Mold Setter · Production Operator
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments.
- Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists.
- Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.
- Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.
- 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.
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
- Quality Control Analysis
- Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Equipment Maintenance
- Judgment and Decision Making
Subjects to know
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Design
Useful strengths
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Control Precision
- Near Vision
- Manual Dexterity
- 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 | 3.1 | Shared rooms, but not shoulder to shoulder |
| On your feet | 4.4 | Standing or moving for most of it |
| Talking face to face | 4.9 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 4.2 | 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 83%
- A certificate or some college 13%
- A two-year degree 4%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Electronic mail software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
- Operating system software
- Word processing software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP 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
- 18,540
- Job openings each year
- 1,760
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- −2.6%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 18,540 | 1,760 | −2.6% |
| Pennsylvania | 11,410 | 1,110 | 1.3% |
| Texas | 10,250 | 1,030 | 8.1% |
| Indiana | 7,910 | 770 | 1.3% |
| Michigan | 6,920 | 660 | −2.8% |
| Illinois | 6,590 | 650 | 3.3% |
| South Carolina | 6,170 | 640 | 18.2% |
| Wisconsin | 5,160 | 520 | 8.9% |
| Iowa | 4,510 | 450 | 6.6% |
| Georgia | 4,490 | 470 | 16.0% |
| New York | 4,440 | 0 | −5.3% |
| North Carolina | 4,210 | 420 | 6.9% |
| California | 3,800 | 370 | 2.7% |
| Florida | 3,660 | 360 | 6.4% |
| Connecticut | 3,170 | 320 | 7.1% |
| Minnesota | 3,160 | 310 | 5.3% |
| Missouri | 2,820 | 270 | 1.1% |
| Kentucky | 2,630 | 260 | 6.0% |
| Arkansas | 2,610 | 260 | 4.8% |
| New Jersey | 2,400 | 240 | 5.7% |
| Alabama | 2,310 | 240 | 12.1% |
| Oklahoma | 2,040 | 200 | 2.0% |
| Tennessee | 1,940 | 190 | 6.6% |
| Oregon | 1,840 | 190 | 10.8% |
| Nebraska | 1,680 | 170 | 5.7% |
| Utah | 1,590 | 170 | 21.4% |
| Mississippi | 1,570 | 160 | 6.1% |
| Virginia | 1,490 | 140 | −2.6% |
| Washington | 1,490 | 140 | — |
| Arizona | 1,400 | 150 | 16.7% |
| New Hampshire | 1,100 | 110 | 6.8% |
| Puerto Rico | 990 | 100 | 10.0% |
| Louisiana | 940 | 100 | 10.6% |
| North Dakota | 920 | 90 | 13.6% |
| Maryland | 780 | 80 | 1.3% |
| Massachusetts | 600 | 60 | 1.7% |
| South Dakota | 410 | 40 | 10.8% |
| West Virginia | 390 | 40 | 18.2% |
| Rhode Island | 320 | 30 | 3.2% |
| Colorado | 290 | 30 | 3.6% |
| Kansas | 270 | 30 | — |
| Nevada | 240 | 20 | 4.3% |
| New Mexico | 100 | 10 | — |
| Idaho | 70 | 10 | 40.0% |
| Vermont | 70 | 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.