Occupation Summary

Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

O*NET 51-4035.00

Description:

Set up, operate, or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic work pieces.

Annual Wages:
$47,134.00
Employment Rate:
Employment is expected to increase by -5.88%.
Education Level:
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED). According to O*Net, the majority of people employed in this occupation have this level of education.
Endorsement:
Business and Industry

  1. Remove workpieces from machines, and check to ensure that they conform to specifications, using measuring instruments such as microscopes, gauges, calipers, and micrometers.
  2. Observe milling or planing machine operation, and adjust controls to ensure conformance with specified tolerances.
  3. Position and secure workpieces on machines, using holding devices, measuring instruments, hand tools, and hoists.
  4. Study blueprints, layouts, sketches, or work orders to assess workpiece specifications and to determine tooling instructions, tools and materials needed, and sequences of operations.
  5. Move controls to set cutting specifications, to position cutting tools and workpieces in relation to each other, and to start machines.
  6. Compute dimensions, tolerances, and angles of workpieces or machines according to specifications and knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
  7. Verify alignment of workpieces on machines, using measuring instruments such as rules, gauges, or calipers.
  8. Select cutting speeds, feed rates, and depths of cuts, applying knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
  9. Move cutters or material manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to mill workpieces to specifications.
  10. Replace worn tools, using hand tools, and sharpen dull tools, using bench grinders.
  11. Select and install cutting tools and other accessories according to specifications, using hand tools or power tools.
  12. Record production output.
  13. Turn valves or pull levers to start and regulate the flow of coolant or lubricant to work areas.
  14. Make templates or cutting tools.
  15. Mount attachments and tools, such as pantographs, engravers, or routers, to perform other operations, such as drilling or boring.


National Industry Employment Patterns


Industry % of Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic employed Annual Growth Rate
Machine shops; turned product; and screw, nut, and bolt manufacturing 18.5 -1.09
Steel product manufacturing from purchased steel 7.6 -1.81
Alumina and aluminum production and processing 6.6 -1.05
Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 6 -1.17
Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing 4.7 0.00
Foundries 4.7 -1.53
Metal ore mining 4.6 0.00
Metalworking machinery manufacturing 4.4 -1.53
Employment services 4.2 -1.53
Iron and steel mills and ferroalloy manufacturing 2.4 -2.84
Nonferrous metal (except aluminum) production and processing 2.1 0.00


Labor Market Information


2024 Statewide average hourly wage $22.66
2024 National average hourly wage $25.45
2022 National employment 15,700
2022 Texas employment 408
Texas projected employment by 2032 384
Texas projected annual employment and Turnover openings through 2032 48




TEXAS COUNTY MAP BY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AREA
* Due to confidentiality rules, not all regions may have the data displayed. The sum of all the regions may not be equal to the state total.


Top 10 Relevant Knowledge Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
74.40%
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
71.40%
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
69.60%
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
69.60%
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
63.60%
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
59.60%
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
59.00%
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
58.20%
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
55.80%
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
53.80%


Top 10 Relevant Skill Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
77.60%
Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
67.60%
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
62.40%
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
62.40%
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
60.00%
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
57.60%
Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
57.60%
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
57.60%
Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
55.00%
Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
55.00%


Top 10 Relevant Abilities Relevant Importance Levels
Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
72.40%
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
72.40%
Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
67.60%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
67.60%
Multilimb Coordination
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
65.00%
Reaction Time
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
65.00%
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
65.00%
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
62.40%
Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
62.40%
Visualization
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
62.40%


  • Controlling Machines and Processes
    -- Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
    -- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems
    -- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
    -- Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Handling and Moving Objects
    -- Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Other Activities


  • Support
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
  • Working Conditions
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.



Tools

Adjustable wrenches: Crescent wrenches;

Allen wrench: Allen wrench sets;

Bench grinder: Industrial bench grinders;

Bench scales: Digital bench scales;

Calipers: Digital calipers; Dial calipers; Vernier calipers;

Chucks: Soft jaws;

Collets: Collet chucks;

Comparators: Mechanical comparators;

Compasses: Layout compasses;

Coordinate measuring machines CMM: Coordinate measuring machines CMM;

Deburring tool: Machine deburring tools;

Desktop computers: Desktop computers;

Dial indicator or dial gauge: Drop indicators; Coaxial indicators;

Drill press or radial drill: Drill presses;

End mills: End mills;

Forklifts: Wheeled forklifts;

Grease guns: Grease dispensers;

Grinders: Hand grinders;

Hand lapper: Lapping tools;

Height gauges: Height gauges; Digital height gauges;

Hoists: Power hoists;

Hole gauge: Bore gauges;

Horizontal boring machine: Boring bars; Horizontal boring mills;

Metal polishing machine: Polishing tools;

Micrometers: Inside digital ID micrometers; Outside digital OD micrometers;

Milling vise: Precision milling vises;

Pin gauge: Pin gauge sets;

Planer style milling machine: Metal planers;

Radius gauge: Fillet gauges;

Rulers: Precision rules;

Safety glasses: Protective safety glasses;

Sawing and cut-off machine: Metal cutters;

Screwdrivers: Multipurpose screwdrivers;

Setting jig: Setting jigs;

Spanner wrenches: Adjustable spanner wrenches;

Tinners snips: Metal shears;

Tool holders: Automatic tool changers;

Tool template sets: Center finders; Electronic edge finders; Height setters; Tool probes; Mechanical edge finders;

Track cranes: Overhead cranes;

Turret lathe: Turret lathes;

Turret milling machine: Vertical milling machines;

Unit cooler: Coolant chillers;

Universal milling machine: Horizontal milling machines; Computer numerical control CNC milling machines;

Vertical machining center: Vertical machining centers VMC;

Wire brushes: Wire cleaning brushes;


Technology

Analytical or scientific software: Kentech machine shop software;

Computer aided design CAD and computer aided manufacturing CAM system: Vero Software Edgecam;

Computer aided design CAD software: Vero Software ALPHACAM; Siemens Solid Edge; SmartCAMcnc SmartCAM; Autodesk AutoCAD;

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software: Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software;

Enterprise application integration software: Extensible markup language XML;

Industrial control software: EditCNC;

Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software: SWIVEL Software;

Object or component oriented development software: G-code; M-code;

Office suite software: Microsoft Office software;

Presentation software: Microsoft PowerPoint;

Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel;

Word processing software: Microsoft Word;


Related O*NET occupational titles for Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic include:
  • 51-9161.00 Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
  • 51-9032.00 Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  • 51-4031.00 Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  • 51-4032.00 Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  • 51-4033.00 Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  • 51-4034.00 Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  • 51-4081.00 Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  • 51-4023.00 Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  • 51-4194.00 Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
  • 51-7042.00 Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing


Sources of Additional Information
  • For more information about metal and plastic machine workers, including training and certification, visit 
  • Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA)
  • National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS)
  • For information about manufacturing careers, machinery, and equipment, visit: Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT)
  • National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA)
  • Precision Machined Products Association (PMPA)
  • Precision Metalforming Association (PMA)
  • Occupational Requirements Survey

  • For a profile highlighting selected BLS data on occupational requirements, see
  • Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders (PDF)
  • Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
  • Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
  • Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  • Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  • Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  • Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  • Foundry Mold and Coremakers
  • Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  • Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  • Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  • Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders
  • Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  • Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
  • Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  • Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  • Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
  • Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  • Pourers and Casters, Metal
  • Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  • Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

  • Contact Texas Workforce Commission
    Labor Market and Career Information  |  101 E. 15th Street, Annex Room 0252  |  Austin, Texas 78778
    Official Website  |  1-800-822-PLAN (7526)  |  512.936.3200

    ** The information in this report may be derived from many sources like O*NET, BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), OOH (Occupational Outlook Handbook), and Career One Stop.