Production
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Also called: Cell Technician, CNC Machine Setter (Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Setter), Fabrication Set-Up Person, Injection Molding Technician
US median pay
$47,180
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+0.6%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
11,600
127,100 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.
What they do day to day
- 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.
- Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools.
- Set machine stops or guides to specified lengths as indicated by scales, rules, or templates.
- Select the proper coolants and lubricants and start their flow.
- Remove burrs, sharp edges, rust, or scale from workpieces, using files, hand grinders, wire brushes, or power tools.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Operations Monitoring4.0/5
- Quality Control Analysis3.4/5
- Operation and Control3.1/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.1/5
- Equipment Maintenance3.1/5
- Troubleshooting3.0/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.0/5
- Repairing3.0/5
Knowledge
- Production and Processing4.1/5
- Mechanical3.9/5
- Mathematics3.6/5
- English Language3.3/5
- Design3.1/5
- Education and Training2.9/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma82%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.