Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic

Pay

Getting in

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

On-the-job training

Moderate-term on-the-job training

Prior experience

None

Calculate your switch to milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic

What the work is like

Core tasks

• Remove workpieces from machines, and check to ensure that they conform to specifications, using measuring instruments such as microscopes, gauges, calipers, and micrometers.
• Verify alignment of workpieces on machines, using measuring instruments such as rules, gauges, or calipers.
• 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 and install cutting tools and other accessories according to specifications, using hand tools or power tools.
• Position and secure workpieces on machines, using holding devices, measuring instruments, hand tools, and hoists.
• Replace worn tools, using hand tools, and sharpen dull tools, using bench grinders.
• Study blueprints, layouts, sketches, or work orders to assess workpiece specifications and to determine tooling instructions, tools and materials needed, and sequences of operations.

Also called: CNC Licensed Mill Operator (Computer Numerical Control Licensed Mill Operator) · CNC Mill Operator (Computer Numerical Control Mill Operator) · CNC Mill Operator (Computerized Numerical Control Mill Operator) · CNC Mill Set Up Operator (Computerized Numerical Control Mill Set Up Operator) · Machine Operator · Machine Set Up Operator · Mill Operator · Miller

Outlook and AI

Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic held 12,400 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 10,800 by 2035 (−13%, declining; all jobs: +3.5%).

Productivity change, occupational substitution - share decreases as robotics, CNC operated machines, and other programmable/automated machines replace less advanced machines increasing efficiency.

Compare with

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