Occupation Summary

Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

O*NET 51-4081.00

Description:

Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.

Annual Wages:
$40,430.00
Employment Rate:
Employment is expected to increase by 8.15%.
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. Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments.
  2. Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.
  3. Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.
  4. Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces.
  5. Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists.
  6. Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.
  7. Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools.
  8. Make minor electrical and mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines and notify supervisors when major service is required.
  9. Start machines and turn handwheels or valves to engage feeding, cooling, and lubricating mechanisms.
  10. Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs.
  11. Select the proper coolants and lubricants and start their flow.
  12. Remove burrs, sharp edges, rust, or scale from workpieces, using files, hand grinders, wire brushes, or power tools.
  13. Instruct other workers in machine set-up and operation.
  14. Record operational data, such as pressure readings, lengths of strokes, feed rates, or speeds.
  15. Extract or lift jammed pieces from machines, using fingers, wire hooks, or lift bars.
  16. Set machine stops or guides to specified lengths as indicated by scales, rules, or templates.
  17. Move controls or mount gears, cams, or templates in machines to set feed rates and cutting speeds, depths, and angles.
  18. Compute data, such as gear dimensions or machine settings, applying knowledge of shop mathematics.
  19. Align layout marks with dies or blades.
  20. Measure and mark reference points and cutting lines on workpieces, using traced templates, compasses, and rules.
  21. Write programs for computer numerical control (CNC) machines to cut metal and plastic materials.


National Industry Employment Patterns


Industry % of Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic employed Annual Growth Rate
Employment services 15.3 0.19
Motor vehicle parts manufacturing 11.9 -1.62
Plastics product manufacturing 10.1 0.35
Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing 3 0.47
Machine shops; turned product; and screw, nut, and bolt manufacturing 2.9 0.00
Other electrical equipment and component manufacturing 2.6 3.26
Motor vehicle manufacturing 2.6 0.53
Steel product manufacturing from purchased steel 2.3 -0.31
Nonferrous metal (except aluminum) production and processing 2.2 0.00
Other miscellaneous manufacturing 2 0.35


Labor Market Information


2023 Statewide average hourly wage $19.44
2023 National average hourly wage $21.15
2022 National employment 139,900
2022 Texas employment 9,476
Texas projected employment by 2032 10,248
Texas projected annual employment and Turnover openings through 2032 1,026




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
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
82.20%
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
78.80%
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
72.00%
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
65.40%
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
61.40%
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.
58.20%
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
55.80%
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.
53.80%
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
50.20%
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.
50.00%


Top 10 Relevant Skill Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
80.00%
Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
67.60%
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
62.40%
Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
62.40%
Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
62.40%
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
62.40%
Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
60.00%
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
60.00%
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.
60.00%


Top 10 Relevant Abilities Relevant Importance Levels
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.
77.60%
Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
77.60%
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
77.60%
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.
75.00%
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.
72.40%
Visualization
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
67.60%
Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
65.00%
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
62.40%
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
62.40%
Selective Attention
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
62.40%


  • Getting Information
    -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
    -- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Controlling Machines and Processes
    -- Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
    -- Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
    -- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Other Activities


  • Relationships
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
  • 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.



Tools

Adjustable wrenches: Adjustable wrenches;

Blow molding machines: Blow-molding machines;

Boring machines: Boring tools;

Buffing machine: Buffing machines;

Claw hammer: Claw hammers;

Compasses: Compasses;

Cutting die: Metal cutting dies;

Cutting machines: Cutting machines; Lathe machines; Punching machines; Slitting machines;

Desktop computers: Desktop computers;

Ear plugs: Protective ear plugs;

Extruders: Extruding machines;

Facial shields: Face masks;

Forklift or elevator accessories or supplies: Mechanical booms;

Gear cutting tool: Gear hobbers;

Grease guns: Grease guns;

Grinders: Hand grinders;

Height gauges: Height gauges;

Hoists: Power hoists;

Hydraulic press brake: Power press brakes;

Injection molding machines: Injection molding machines;

Lifting hooks: Lift bars; Lifting hooks;

Loading equipment: Robotic loading equipment;

Locking pliers: Locking pliers;

Metal band sawing machine: Band saws;

Metal polishing machine: Polishing machines;

Micrometers: Micrometers;

Mill saw file: Single-cut mill saw files;

Milling machines: Milling machines;

Planing machines: Planing machines;

Power drills: Power drills;

Power grinders: Grinding machines;

Respiration air supplying self contained breathing apparatus or accessories: Self-contained breathing apparatus;

Rulers: Steel rules;

Safety glasses: Safety glasses;

Scales: Drafting scales;

Screwdrivers: Straight screwdrivers;

Shears: Hand shears;

Tangent bender: Tangent benders;

Taps: Metal cutting taps;

Templates: Templates;

Track cranes: Overhead cranes;

Traveling column milling machine: Computer numerical controlled CNC milling machines;

Tube bending machine: Tube benders;

Turning machines: Turning machines;

Wing bender: Wing benders;

Wire brushes: Wire brushes;


Technology

Computer aided design CAD software: Autodesk AutoCAD;

Electronic mail software: Email software; Microsoft Outlook;

Enterprise resource planning ERP software: SAP software; Enterprise resource planning ERP software;

Office suite software: Microsoft Office software;

Operating system software: Microsoft Windows;

Spreadsheet software: Spreadsheet software; Microsoft Excel;

Word processing software: Word processing software; Microsoft Word;


Related O*NET occupational titles for Multiple Machine Tool 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
  • 51-4033.00 Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  • 49-9041.00 Industrial Machinery Mechanics
  • 51-4034.00 Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  • 51-4035.00 Milling and Planing Machine 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.