Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn a median of $47,180 per year ($22.68/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to grow 0.6% through 2035, with about 11,600 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- SOC 51-4081
- Production
- Last updated October 15, 2026
At a glance
Multiple Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic in four numbers
- Median pay
- $47,180a year, or $22.68/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $36KTop 10% $74K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +0.6%Slower than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+0.6%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +0.6% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 11,600127,100 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 2025127.1K
- Projected 2035127.9K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 127.1K Projected 2035 127.9K - Typical education
- High schoolneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Less than high school1.1%
- High school81.7%
- Certificate7.6%
- Some college5.6%
- Associate's3.9%
Highest education held by multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic Segment Value Less than high school 1.1% High school 81.7% Certificate 7.6% Some college 5.6% Associate's 3.9%
Also advertised as: Cell Technician, CNC Machine Setter (Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Setter), Fabrication Set-Up Person, Injection Molding Technician, Machine Operator, Machine Technician.
Pay
How much do multiple machine tool setters make?
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn a median of $47,180 a year ($22.68 an hour, or about $3,930 a month); the lowest-paid 10% earn less than $35,780 and the top 10% more than $74,450 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
The best-paying state is West Virginia, with a median of $76,080. See Multiple machine tool setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic salary in West Virginia and every other state. By city, pay is highest around Dallas ($67,500 average): salary in every city.
Every multiple machine tool setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$47,180
Middle half earn $39,420 to $57,800
- 10th
- $35,780
- 25th
- $39,420
- 75th
- $57,800
- 90th
- $74,450
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $35,780 |
| 25th | $39,420 |
| Median | $47,180 |
| 75th | $57,800 |
| 90th | $74,450 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $47,180
- Median hourly wage
- $22.68/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $50,030
- People employed
- 124,590
Versus all US occupations
At $47,180, Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn 7% below the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $3,800 a year.
Versus production occupations
The median is typical for the Production group, where the middle occupation pays $48,030.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $74,450 or more while the bottom 10% earn $35,780, a gap of 2.1×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 15% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
West Virginia pays the most at $76,080, and still leads at $85,008 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay multiple machine tool setters the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1West Virginia | $76,080 | $85,008 | 1,920 |
| 2Kentucky | $54,960 | $60,959 | 5,510 |
| 3Missouri | $53,160 | $58,535 | 7,220 |
| 4Maryland | $51,780 | $49,334 | 400 |
| 5Nebraska | $50,960 | $56,557 | 1,250 |
| 6Virginia | $50,600 | $50,047 | 1,030 |
| 7Washington | $50,540 | $47,228 | 830 |
| 8Vermont | $50,450 | $51,502 | 110 |
| 9Idaho | $50,410 | $52,789 | 480 |
| 10New York | $49,890 | $46,228 | 3,660 |
Job outlook
Is multiple machine tool setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Slower than average. +0.6% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | +0.6% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Slower than average
BLS projects employment of Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic to change 0.6% over 2025–2035, against 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 800 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 11,600 openings are projected each year, 9.1% of the 127,100 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of metal and plastic machine workers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, decline.
Many 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.
Projected employment of metal and plastic machine workers varies by occupation (see table).
One of the most important factors influencing employment of these workers is the use of laborsaving machinery. Many firms are continuing to expand the use of technologies, such as computer numerically controlled (CNC) tools and robots, to improve quality and lower production costs. The use of CNC equipment requires CNC tool programmers instead of machine setters, operators, and tenders. Therefore, demand for most manual tool operators and tenders is likely to be reduced, while demand for CNC tool programmers is expected to be strong.
AI exposure: moderate
BLS places this occupation in its moderate relative AI exposure category, below the middle of the pack: some of the work overlaps with what AI can do, much of it does not.
Getting in
How to become a multiple machine tool setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic
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.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
High school diploma or equivalent
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Some preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)81.7%
- Post-Secondary Certificate7.6%
- Some College Courses5.6%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree3.9%
- Less than a High School Diploma1.1%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 81.7% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 7.6% |
| Some College Courses | 5.6% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 3.9% |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 1.1% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a multiple machine tool setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic do?
Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.
Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate equipment that cuts, shapes, and forms metal and plastic materials or pieces.
Day-to-day tasks
- Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments.
- Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.
- Instruct other workers in machine set-up and operation.
- Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.
- Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists.
- Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs.
- Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools.
- Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
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.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayAlmost never works outdoors.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeOn their feet more than half the working day.
Bending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayMeeting strict deadlines at least weekly.
Conflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lot
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Monitoring3.1
- Reading Comprehension3.0
- Active Listening3.0
- Speaking3.0
- Critical Thinking3.0
- Active Learning2.9
- Writing2.8
- Learning Strategies2.4
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Monitoring | 3.1 |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.0 |
| Active Listening | 3.0 |
| Speaking | 3.0 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.0 |
| Active Learning | 2.9 |
| Writing | 2.8 |
| Learning Strategies | 2.4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Operations Monitoring4.0
- Quality Control Analysis3.4
- Operation and Control3.1
- Equipment Maintenance3.1
- Judgment and Decision Making3.1
- Social Perceptiveness3.0
- Complex Problem Solving3.0
- Troubleshooting3.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Operations Monitoring | 4.0 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.4 |
| Operation and Control | 3.1 |
| Equipment Maintenance | 3.1 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.1 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.0 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.0 |
| Troubleshooting | 3.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Computer aided design CAD software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Operating system software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
The workforce
Who works as a multiple machine tool setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic?
Women make up 17.4% of multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic, against 47.1% of all employed people: a heavily male-dominated occupation.
27.0% are 55 or older, close to the 23.2% across all jobs.
The median worker is 44.5 years old (all workers: 42.1).
- Women
- 17.4%All workers 47.1% · BLS CPS, 2025
- Median age
- 44.5All workers 42.1 · BLS CPS, 2025
- Aged 55+
- 27.0%All workers 23.2% · BLS CPS, 2025
- Employed (CPS)
- 307,000Other metal workers and plastic workers · BLS CPS, 2025
| Group | Share of multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | All employed people |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 17.4% | 47.1% |
| White | 77.0% | 75.7% |
| Black or African American | 13.7% | 12.7% |
| Asian | 6.2% | 7.5% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 23.0% | 20.0% |
| Aged 55 and over | 27.0% | 23.2% |
| Aged 16 to 24 | 6.8% | 12.2% |
Current Population Survey annual averages, 2025 (BLS tables 11 and 11b). Race groups can overlap with Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, so they do not sum to 100%. CPS reports this occupation only within the wider Census group “Other metal workers and plastic workers”, so these figures are for that group.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a multiple machine tool setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Multiple Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 7 |
| Investigative | 2 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 1 |
| Enterprising | 1 |
| Conventional | 5 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
- Realistic7.0
- Conventional4.6
- Investigative2.3
- Social1.1
- Artistic1.0
- Enterprising1.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Multiple Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
O*NET related occupations
- Production
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$50,620median a year
Most earn $37K to $70K
−11.3%High school - Production
Milling and Planing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$52,800median a year
Most earn $38K to $81K
−13.2%High school - Production
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$46,550median a year
Most earn $36K to $63K
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- Production
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$43,380median a year
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$46,330median a year
Most earn $36K to $66K
−10.5%High school
More production careers
Median annual pay, with multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic highlighted
- Power Plant Operator$102,040
- Tool and Die Maker$64,050
- Machinist$58,750
- Welder$53,750
- Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter$51,330
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator$50,690
- Multiple Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic$47,180
- Butcher and Meat Cutter$40,140
- Baker$37,160
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Plant Operator | $102,040 |
| Tool and Die Maker | $64,050 |
| Machinist | $58,750 |
| Welder | $53,750 |
| Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter | $51,330 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator | $50,690 |
| Multiple Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic | $47,180 |
| Butcher and Meat Cutter | $40,140 |
| Baker | $37,160 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Multiple Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic appears on
Questions
Multiple Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic: frequently asked questions
How much do multiple machine tool setters make?
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn a median of $47,180 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 7% below the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $22.68/hr. The middle half earn between $39,420 and $57,800. The top 10% earn $74,450 or more.
How much do multiple machine tool setters make an hour?
The median hourly wage for multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $22.68 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). On a full-year basis the $47,180 annual median works out to about $3,930 a month before tax.
What is the starting salary for a multiple machine tool setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic?
BLS does not publish a starting salary. The nearest measure is the low end of the pay range: the lowest-paid 10% of multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic earn less than $35,780 a year and the bottom quarter less than $39,420 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). New workers often start near that end, but where a particular job starts depends on the employer, the state and the credentials you bring, so read these as the bottom of the range rather than a guaranteed entry wage.
Do multiple machine tool setters make $100k?
Rarely. Even the 90th percentile is $74,450, so fewer than 10% of multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic earn $100,000 or more (BLS OEWS, May 2025). No state's median reaches $100,000; the highest is West Virginia at $76,080.
Which states pay multiple machine tool setters the most?
The highest state medians for Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are West Virginia ($76,080), Kentucky ($54,960), Missouri ($53,160) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What kind of multiple machine tool setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic earns the most?
BLS does not split multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic' pay by specialty or employer, but its range shows how far the top end runs: the highest-paid 10% earn more than $74,450, against a median of $47,180 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Location moves pay the most in the published data: the best-paying states are West Virginia ($76,080), Kentucky ($54,960), Missouri ($53,160).
Do you need a degree to become a multiple machine tool setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic?
No. A bachelor's degree is not the norm: BLS reports a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education for Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. BLS also lists moderate-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 81.7% hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged).
How long does it take to become a multiple machine tool setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic?
BLS does not publish a fixed length; it depends on the route. What it does publish: the typical way in for multiple machine tool setters is a high school diploma or equivalent. Once hired, BLS lists moderate-term on-the-job training as typical. O*NET classes the work as needing some preparation.
Is multiple machine tool setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic a growing career?
It is growing, but slowly: 0.6% over 2025–2035 against 3.5% for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 11,600 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a multiple machine tool setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic do?
Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate equipment that cuts, shapes, and forms metal and plastic materials or pieces. A core O*NET task: inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments. Employers most often ask for Computer aided design CAD software, Electronic mail software, Enterprise resource planning ERP software.
Do multiple machine tool setters work 40 hours a week?
Most work more than 40. In O*NET's survey of people in the job, 61% of multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic usually work more than 40 hours a week, 39% work exactly 40 and 0% work fewer. 64% say their schedule is regular and 37% irregular. Source: O*NET 31.0 Database, Work Context.
What personality type suits a multiple machine tool setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic?
O*NET scores Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic highest on the Realistic and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.
What percentage of multiple machine tool setters are women?
Women make up 17.4% of multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic, against 47.1% of all employed people: a heavily male-dominated occupation. 27.0% are 55 or older, close to the 23.2% across all jobs. The median worker is 44.5 years old (all workers: 42.1). Source: BLS Current Population Survey, 2025 annual averages, for the Census group "Other metal workers and plastic workers".