What Does it Take to Be a Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender?
Example of Milling & Planing Machine Operator Job Set up, operate, or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic work pieces.
A Day in the Life of a Milling & Planing Machine Operator
- Select cutting speeds, feed rates, and depths of cuts, applying knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
- Remove workpieces from machines, and check to ensure that they conform to specifications, using measuring instruments such as microscopes, gauges, calipers, and micrometers.
- Mount attachments and tools, such as pantographs, engravers, or routers to perform other operations, such as drilling or boring.
- Move cutters or material manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to mill workpieces to specifications.
- Make templates or cutting tools.
- Replace worn tools, using hand tools, and sharpen dull tools, using bench grinders.
Featured schools near , edit
Things a Milling & Planing Machine Operator Should Know How to Do
Below is a list of the skills most Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders say are important on the job.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Types of Milling & Planing Machine Operator Jobs
- Barrel Rib Matting Machine Operator
- Profiling Machine Setup Operator
- Directional Drill Operator
- Tooth Cutter
- Plastic Thread Milling Machine Setup Operator
Is There Going to be Demand for Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?
In the United States, there were 17,600 jobs for Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender in 2016. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender. The BLS estimates 1,300 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Milling & Planing Machine Operator are Arkansas, Louisiana, and Maryland. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Maine, or Ohio. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary
The salary for Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders ranges between about $26,210 and $63,400 a year.

Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders who work in Tennessee, Connecticut, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.
How much do Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $47,000 |
Arizona | $45,160 |
Arkansas | $44,440 |
California | $42,690 |
Colorado | $45,100 |
Connecticut | $55,780 |
Florida | $40,850 |
Georgia | $44,860 |
Idaho | $33,270 |
Illinois | $41,240 |
Indiana | $39,720 |
Iowa | $39,530 |
Kansas | $46,240 |
Kentucky | $42,290 |
Louisiana | $43,550 |
Maryland | $39,890 |
Massachusetts | $51,670 |
Michigan | $48,080 |
Minnesota | $42,130 |
Mississippi | $34,990 |
Missouri | $37,710 |
Nebraska | $40,090 |
New Hampshire | $36,120 |
New Jersey | $49,770 |
New York | $43,980 |
North Carolina | $36,650 |
Ohio | $45,710 |
Oklahoma | $34,060 |
Pennsylvania | $46,700 |
Rhode Island | $43,750 |
South Carolina | $31,370 |
Tennessee | $47,970 |
Texas | $40,230 |
Utah | $33,760 |
Vermont | $38,560 |
Virginia | $35,930 |
West Virginia | $40,710 |
Wisconsin | $43,060 |
What Tools do Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Extensible markup language XML
- Siemens PLM Software Solid Edge
- G code
- Mastercam
- M code
- SmartCAMcnc SmartCAM
- EditCNC
- Vero Software Alphacam
- Edgecam
How to Become a Milling & Planing Machine Operator
Are there Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders education requirements?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Milling & Planing Machine Operator?

Where Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Are Employed

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Related Careers
Those interested in being a Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender may also be interested in:
References:
Image Credit: US Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |