Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Career, Salary and Skills

Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic have a BLS-reported national median annual wage of $47,180 based on the 2025 OEWS dataset, with reported national employment of 124,590. Wage data is published for 241 locations.

Occupation description

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

O*NET code

51-4081.00

Job zone

2

Typical education

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)

Experience

None

National salary and employment

Median annual

$47,180

Hourly median

$22.68

Employment

124,590

Data year

2025

National salary distribution

$35,780
10th
$39,420
25th
$47,180
Median
$57,800
75th
$74,450
90th

Top skills

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Typical tasks

  • 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.
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Technology

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Email software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP software
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Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary by location

Areas with the highest reported employment for this occupation.

All 241 locations →

Related careers

Career and skills data: O*NET 31.0 (onetcenter.org). Salary and employment data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2025 (bls.gov/oes). Figures are published survey estimates, not real-time market data.