CDCareer Decision

Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary in IA

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in IA have a median annual salary of $51,600, with 140 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $42,490 at the 10th percentile to $62,770 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$51,600

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$24.81

Employment

140

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$42,490
10th
$48,580
25th
$51,600
Median
$58,490
75th
$62,770
90th

Local compared with national

IA

$51,600

Median annual · 2025

United States

$52,800

Median annual · 2025

The IA median is 2.3% below the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $1,200).

Top skills

  1. 1.Operations MonitoringImportance 3.9
  2. 2.Operation and ControlImportance 3.4
  3. 3.Critical ThinkingImportance 3.1
  4. 4.MonitoringImportance 3.1
  5. 5.Active ListeningImportance 3.0
  6. 6.Reading ComprehensionImportance 2.9
  7. 7.SpeakingImportance 2.9
  8. 8.Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.9
  9. 9.CoordinationImportance 2.8
  10. 10.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.8
  11. 11.TroubleshootingImportance 2.8
  12. 12.WritingImportance 2.6

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Job zone
2

Technology used

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • EditCNC
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • G-code
  • Kentech machine shop software
  • M-code
  • Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Siemens Solid Edge
  • SmartCAMcnc SmartCAM
  • SWIVEL Software
  • Vero Software ALPHACAM

Common tasks

  • Remove workpieces from machines, and check to ensure that they conform to specifications, using measuring instruments such as microscopes, gauges, calipers, and micrometers.
  • Verify alignment of workpieces on machines, using measuring instruments such as rules, gauges, or calipers.
  • Move controls to set cutting specifications, to position cutting tools and workpieces in relation to each other, and to start machines.
  • Observe milling or planing machine operation, and adjust controls to ensure conformance with specified tolerances.
  • Select and install cutting tools and other accessories according to specifications, using hand tools or power tools.
  • Position and secure workpieces on machines, using holding devices, measuring instruments, hand tools, and hoists.
  • Replace worn tools, using hand tools, and sharpen dull tools, using bench grinders.
  • Study blueprints, layouts, sketches, or work orders to assess workpiece specifications and to determine tooling instructions, tools and materials needed, and sequences of operations.
  • Compute dimensions, tolerances, and angles of workpieces or machines according to specifications and knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
  • Move cutters or material manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to mill workpieces to specifications.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary in other locations

Other occupations in IA