Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Explore safer careers (1)
Lower estimated automation risk
Why it fits
Builds on machining, setup, layout, tolerances, and tooling, but requires deeper apprenticeship-level skills.
Alternative careers
Related career paths that build on similar skills and experience
Why it fits
Machine process knowledge and print reading transfer with added CNC programming and toolpath training.
Why it fits
Reuses machine tools, setup judgment, blueprints, materials, measuring instruments, and quality checks.
Why it fits
Transfers multi-machine setup, workholding, cutting tools, feeds, speeds, and dimensional control.
Occupation snapshot
What does this snowflake show?
What's this?
We rate jobs using four factors. These are:
- Chance of being automated
- Job growth
- Wages
- Volume of available positions
These are some key things to think about when job hunting.
Risk & user votes
Calculated automation risk
High Risk (61-80%): This occupation shows a significant risk of end-to-end replacement by automation. Many core parts of the role may be structured, repeatable, software-driven, or physically predictable enough for AI, machines, or robotic systems to take over. If you work in this area, it may be worth exploring safer related careers or moving towards more human-centred responsibilities.
More information on what this score is, and how it is calculated is available here.
Human strengths important in this job
These are human abilities and work contexts that are important in this occupation. They may help explain why parts of the role are harder to replace end-to-end, but they are not the only inputs into the automation score.
Decision-making and problem solving
Very importantWhy this matters
Thinking creatively
Quite importantWhy this matters
Coaching and developing others
Quite importantWhy this matters
Coordinating others’ work
Quite importantWhy this matters
Developing objectives and strategies
Quite importantWhy this matters
What users think
Based on 27 votes
Our visitors have voted that it's probable this occupation will be automated. This assessment is further supported by the calculated automation risk level, which estimates 61% chance of automation.
What do you think the risk of automation is?
What is the likelihood that Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic will be replaced by robots or artificial intelligence within the next 20 years?
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Pay & outlook
Wages
In 2024, the median annual wage for Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic was $46,060 ($22 per hour).
The median annual wage for Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic was 6.9% lower than the national median annual wage, which stood at $49,500.
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Wages over time
Growth
The number of 'Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic' job openings is expected to decline 0.5% by 2034
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Total employment, and estimated job openings
Updated projections are due 09-2025.
Volume
As of 2024 there were 129,850 people employed as 'Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic' within the United States.
This represents around 0.08% of the employed workforce across the country
Put another way, around 1 in 1 thousand people are employed as 'Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic'.
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Job description
Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.
O*NET-SOC code: 51-4081.00
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