CareerGPS

Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Summary Occupational Forecast Data for Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Employment Employment Change Average Annual Job Openings Wage & Training Levels
2020 2025 Numerical Percent New Jobs Replacement Jobs Total Median Hourly Median Annual Training Levels
270 330 60 22.39% 12 35 47 $21.45 $44,607 High school diploma or equivalent
Description: Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.
Forecast Data Source: EMSI (4th Quarter 2023)

Occupation Details

The information in this section represents occupational characteristics included in O*NET which defines key features of an occupation as a standardized, measurable set of variables called "descriptors". These distinguishing characteristics of an occupation are described in greater detail in the O*NET Content Model. All items are listed in descending order of importance.

  • Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments.
  • Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.
  • Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.
  • Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, and auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces.
  • Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists.
  • Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.
  • Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools and brushes, using hand tools.
  • Make minor electrical and mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines and notify supervisors when major service is required.
  • Start machines and turn handwheels or valves to engage feeding, cooling, and lubricating mechanisms.
  • Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs.
  • 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.
  • Instruct other workers in machine set-up and operation.
  • Record operational data such as pressure readings, lengths of strokes, feed rates, and speeds.
  • Extract or lift jammed pieces from machines, using fingers, wire hooks, or lift bars.

Knowledge

75%
Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
58%
Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
53%
Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Skills

69%
Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
62%
Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
60%
Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
56%
Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
56%
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
56%
Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
53%
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.
53%
Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
53%
Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
50%
Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
50%
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
50%
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
50%
Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Abilities

72%
Control Precision - The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
66%
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.
66%
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.
66%
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 there is a problem.
62%
Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
60%
Reaction Time - The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
60%
Auditory Attention - The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
60%
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.
60%
Selective Attention - The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
56%
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.
56%
Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
56%
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).
56%
Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
56%
Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
53%
Visualization - The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
53%
Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
53%
Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
50%
Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
50%
Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Work Activities

84%
Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
76%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
70%
Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
70%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
70%
Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
68%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
67%
Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
66%
Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
66%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
66%
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
64%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
63%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
62%
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
62%
Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
61%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
60%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
60%
Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
59%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
58%
Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
57%
Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
54%
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
54%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
53%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
52%
Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
52%
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.
51%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
51%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
51%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
50%
Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Title Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Overall Experience Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Job Training Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Job Zone Examples These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include sheet metal workers, forest fire fighters, customer service representatives, physical therapist aides, salespersons (retail), and tellers.
Education These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Interests

Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outsi

Work Styles

Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Work Values

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.