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What are similar jobs if Milling and Planing Machine Setter, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic isn't quite right?

Supply Chain & ProductionDeclining

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

Q: What is the salary of a Milling and Planing Machine Setter, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?

The typical salary range is $33,817 - $67,634 per year.

Operational-level

Also known as: Barrel Rib Matting Machine Operator, Barrel Rifler, Boring Mill Operator, Broacher

Supply Chain & ProductionBachelor's Degree

Job Description

You'll set up and operate machines that precisely shape metal or plastic parts. This involves using milling and planing machines to cut, groove, and finish work pieces. You'll spend most of your day standing, handling tools, and ensuring accuracy in a busy workshop, often wearing safety gear. This role suits individuals who are good at critical thinking, precise work, and clear communication with team members.

MachiningManufacturing TechnologyMetalworkingCNC MachiningIndustrial TechnologyEngineeringProduction OperationsSkilled TradeProductionManufacturing

A Day in the Life

You arrive at the machine shop at 6:50 AM, the air already thick with the scent of metal and coolant. After clocking in, you head to the locker room to don your steel-toed boots, safety glasses, and hearing protection – essentials in this loud environment. A quick check of the daily production board confirms your first assignment: a batch of aluminum housing units. You grab a coffee and walk towards your station, the steady hum of machines signaling another busy day has begun.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Autodesk AutoCAD Extensible markup language XML Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Word

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

-13.2%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

1,000

per year (US)

Jobs today

12,400

in 2025 → 10,800 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

Low

Working in a team

Moderate

Contact with others

Moderate

Freedom to make decisions

Moderate

Time pressure

High

Time spent sitting

Low

Working outdoors

Low

Indoor, climate-controlled

Low

Dealing with customers

Low

Level of competition

Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Declining Job Market

The job outlook for this role is declining through 2035, with about 1,000 openings expected each year. The median annual wage is around $52,800. With experience, you could advance to roles like CNC Programmer or Manufacturing Supervisor, or specialize in quality control.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Production Assembler
Trainee Machine Operator

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

Where it can lead

CNC Programmer
Manufacturing Supervisor
Quality Control Inspector

Impact of AI on this Job

AI and automation will increasingly assist or even take over repetitive tasks in machine operation, such as quality control, predictive maintenance, and optimizing machine settings. This shift will require human operators to focus more on programming, troubleshooting complex issues, and overseeing automated systems rather than manual setup and tending.

Salary

$52,800

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position