Life As a Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender
Milling & Planing Machine Operator Example Set up, operate, or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic work pieces.
Daily Life Of a Milling & Planing Machine Operator
- Select and install cutting tools and other accessories according to specifications, using hand tools or power tools.
- 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 cutting speeds, feed rates, and depths of cuts, applying knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
- Make templates or cutting tools.
- Position and secure workpieces on machines, using holding devices, measuring instruments, hand tools, and hoists.
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What a Milling & Planing Machine Operator Should Know
These are the skills Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Other Milling & Planing Machine Operator Job Titles
- Production Broaching Machine Operator
- Scalper Operator
- Router Operator
- Manufacturing Assistant
- Scalping Machine Operator
Job Opportunities 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.
Milling & Planing Machine Operator Average Salary
Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders make between $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 different U.S. states?
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
- SmartCAMcnc SmartCAM
- EditCNC
- M code
- Vero Software Alphacam
- Edgecam
How to Become a Milling & Planing Machine Operator
Education needed to be a Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender:

What work experience do I need to become a Milling & Planing Machine Operator?

Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Sector

Below are examples of industries where Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders work:

Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: US Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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