What Do Metal and Plastic Rolling Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender Do?
Example of Rolling Machine Operator Job Set up, operate, or tend machines to roll steel or plastic forming bends, beads, knurls, rolls, or plate or to flatten, temper, or reduce gauge of material.
A Day in the Life of a Rolling Machine Operator
- Manipulate controls and observe dial indicators to monitor, adjust, and regulate speeds of machine mechanisms.
- Start operation of rolling and milling machines to flatten, temper, form, and reduce sheet metal sections and to produce steel strips.
- Set distance points between rolls, guides, meters, and stops, according to specifications.
- Signal and assist other workers to remove and position equipment, fill hoppers, and feed materials into machines.
- Read rolling orders, blueprints, and mill schedules to determine setup specifications, work sequences, product dimensions, and installation procedures.
- Disassemble sizing mills removed from rolling lines, and sort and store parts.
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Rolling Machine Operator Skills
These are the skills Metal and Plastic Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders say are the most useful in their careers:
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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.
Types of Rolling Machine Operator Jobs
- Steel Roller
- Sheet Roller Operator
- Straightening Roll Operator
- Scroll Machine Operator
- Finisher
Job Demand for Metal and Plastic Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
In the United States, there were 29,000 jobs for Metal and Plastic Rolling Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender in 2016. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Metal and Plastic Rolling Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender. The BLS estimates 2,300 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Rolling Machine Operator are South Dakota, Georgia, and Florida. Watch out if you plan on working in Virginia, Massachusetts, or Ohio. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Rolling Machine Operator Make?
The average yearly salary of a Rolling Machine Operator ranges between $25,720 and $60,640.

Metal and Plastic Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders who work in Nevada, South Carolina, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
How much do Metal and Plastic Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $31,700 |
Arizona | $31,770 |
Arkansas | $38,630 |
California | $43,010 |
Colorado | $42,680 |
Connecticut | $53,290 |
Florida | $35,640 |
Georgia | $35,310 |
Illinois | $42,190 |
Indiana | $46,480 |
Iowa | $39,410 |
Kansas | $41,550 |
Louisiana | $45,800 |
Maryland | $40,900 |
Massachusetts | $41,120 |
Michigan | $40,090 |
Minnesota | $40,770 |
Mississippi | $32,410 |
Missouri | $43,270 |
Nebraska | $37,850 |
Nevada | $50,430 |
New Hampshire | $35,770 |
New Jersey | $36,410 |
New York | $43,580 |
North Carolina | $39,730 |
Ohio | $40,290 |
Oklahoma | $35,250 |
Oregon | $42,760 |
Pennsylvania | $42,290 |
Rhode Island | $40,540 |
South Carolina | $48,520 |
South Dakota | $38,860 |
Tennessee | $38,980 |
Texas | $34,710 |
Utah | $41,170 |
Virginia | $44,930 |
Washington | $47,410 |
West Virginia | $38,280 |
Wisconsin | $39,990 |
What Tools & Technology do Metal and Plastic Rolling 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 Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders:
- Web browser software
- Data entry software
- Email software
How to Become a Rolling Machine Operator
Education needed to be a Metal and Plastic Rolling Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where do Metal and Plastic Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Work?

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

Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Metal and Plastic Rolling Machine Setter, Operator, and 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.
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