Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn a median of $43,960 per year ($21.14/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to fall 9.7% through 2035, with about 2,500 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- SOC 51-4193
- Production
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Plating Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic in four numbers
- Median pay
- $43,960a year, or $21.14/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $34KTop 10% $60K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- -9.7%DecliningBLS EP, 2025–2035This career−9.7%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career −9.7% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 2,50033,300 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202533.3K
- Projected 203530.1K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 33.3K Projected 2035 30.1K - Typical education
- High schoolneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Less than high school49.2%
- High school46.8%
- Some college0.6%
- Bachelor's3.4%
Highest education held by plating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic Segment Value Less than high school 49.2% High school 46.8% Some college 0.6% Bachelor's 3.4%
Also advertised as: Anodizer, Anodizing Line Operator, Chrome Plater, Coater Associate, Coater Operator, Electro Plater.
Pay
How much do Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make?
Every plating machine setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$43,960
Middle half earn $37,260 to $49,600
- 10th
- $33,790
- 25th
- $37,260
- 75th
- $49,600
- 90th
- $60,370
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $33,790 |
| 25th | $37,260 |
| Median | $43,960 |
| 75th | $49,600 |
| 90th | $60,370 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $43,960
- Median hourly wage
- $21.14/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $45,100
- People employed
- 32,410
Versus all US occupations
At $43,960, Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn 14% below the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $7,020 a year.
Versus production occupations
Inside the Production group, where the middle occupation pays $48,030, this is 8% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $60,370 or more while the bottom 10% earn $33,790, a gap of 1.8×. That is a narrow spread, so experience and employer move pay less than in most occupations.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 10% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Iowa pays the most at $70,910, and still leads at $80,798 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Iowa | $70,910 | $80,798 | 440 |
| 2Washington | $58,000 | $54,199 | 410 |
| 3Mississippi | $52,090 | $59,906 | 60 |
| 4Arkansas | $51,140 | $58,824 | 230 |
| 5Oklahoma | $49,330 | $56,157 | 180 |
| 6Oregon | $48,050 | $46,488 | 310 |
| 7Nebraska | $48,010 | $53,283 | 400 |
| 8Colorado | $47,930 | $46,510 | 190 |
| 9Arizona | $47,110 | $46,793 | 640 |
| 10Utah | $46,940 | $47,479 | 180 |
Job outlook
Is Plating Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Declining. -9.7% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | −9.7% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Declining
BLS projects employment of Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic to change -9.7% over 2025–2035, while total US employment is projected to rise 3.5%. That is 3,200 fewer jobs.
Annual openings
About 2,500 openings are projected each year, 7.5% of the 33,300 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.
Getting in
How to become a Plating Machine 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)
Little or no 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 plating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.
- Less than a High School Diploma49.2%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)46.8%
- Bachelor's Degree3.4%
- Some College Courses0.6%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Less than a High School Diploma | 49.2% |
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 46.8% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 3.4% |
| Some College Courses | 0.6% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Plating Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic do?
Set up, operate, or tend plating machines to coat metal or plastic products with chromium, zinc, copper, cadmium, nickel, or other metal to protect or decorate surfaces. Typically, the product being coated is immersed in molten metal or an electrolytic solution.
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
- Set up, operate, or tend plating or coating machines to coat metal or plastic products with chromium, zinc, copper, cadmium, nickel, or other metal to protect or decorate surfaces.
- Observe gauges to ensure that machines are operating properly, making adjustments or stopping machines when problems occur.
- Inspect coated or plated areas for defects, such as air bubbles or uneven coverage.
- Maintain production records.
- Remove objects from solutions at periodic intervals and observe objects to verify conformance to specifications.
- Adjust dials to regulate flow of current and voltage supplied to terminals to control plating processes.
- Immerse workpieces in coating solutions or liquid metal or plastic for specified times.
- Remove excess materials or impurities from objects, using air hoses or grinding machines.
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 dayRarely works in a climate-controlled indoor space.
Outdoors 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
- Reading Comprehension3.1
- Active Listening3.1
- Monitoring3.1
- Speaking3.0
- Critical Thinking3.0
- Writing2.8
- Learning Strategies2.3
- Active Learning2.1
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 3.1 |
| Active Listening | 3.1 |
| Monitoring | 3.1 |
| Speaking | 3.0 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.0 |
| Writing | 2.8 |
| Learning Strategies | 2.3 |
| Active Learning | 2.1 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Operations Monitoring3.3
- Operation and Control3.1
- Coordination3.0
- Quality Control Analysis3.0
- Time Management3.0
- Judgment and Decision Making2.9
- Social Perceptiveness2.6
- Complex Problem Solving2.6
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Operations Monitoring | 3.3 |
| Operation and Control | 3.1 |
| Coordination | 3.0 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.0 |
| Time Management | 3.0 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 2.9 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 2.6 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 2.6 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Computer aided design CAD software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Compliance software
- Procurement software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Plating Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Plating Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 7 |
| Investigative | 2 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 1 |
| Enterprising | 1 |
| Conventional | 4 |
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
- Conventional4.1
- Investigative2.2
- Artistic1.4
- Social1.0
- 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 Plating Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
O*NET related occupations
- Production
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender
$48,250median a year
Most earn $36K to $75K
+2.5%High school - Production
Heat Treating Equipment Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$48,750median a year
Most earn $35K to $66K
−9.5%High school - Production
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender
$47,920median a year
Most earn $37K to $67K
−8.9%High school - Production
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$44,350median a year
Most earn $34K to $62K
−3.4%High school - Production
Molder, Shaper, and Caster, Except Metal and Plastic
$46,170median a year
Most earn $36K to $62K
+5.8%High school - Production
Extruding and Forming Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Synthetic and Glass Fiber
$46,350median a year
Most earn $36K to $64K
−3.3%High school
More production careers
Median annual pay, with plating machine 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
- Plating Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic$43,960
- 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 |
| Plating Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic | $43,960 |
| Butcher and Meat Cutter | $40,140 |
| Baker | $37,160 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Plating Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic appears on
Questions
Plating Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic: frequently asked questions
How much do Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make?
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn a median of $43,960 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 14% below the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $21.14/hr. The middle half earn between $37,260 and $49,600. The top 10% earn $60,370 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Plating Machine 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 Plating Machine 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, 49.2% hold less than a high school diploma.
Is Plating Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic a growing career?
No. BLS projects employment to fall 9.7% over 2025–2035, a loss of 3,200 jobs (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 2,500 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Plating Machine 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: set up, operate, or tend plating or coating machines to coat metal or plastic products with chromium, zinc, copper, cadmium, nickel, or other metal to protect or decorate surfaces. Employers most often ask for Computer aided design CAD software, Electronic mail software, Spreadsheet software.
Which states pay Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic the most?
The highest state medians for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are Iowa ($70,910), Washington ($58,000), Mississippi ($52,090) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Plating Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic?
O*NET scores Plating Machine 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.