Manufacturing

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.

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Salary Breakdown

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Average

$39,590

ANNUAL

$19.03

HOURLY

Entry Level

$28,950

ANNUAL

$13.92

HOURLY

Mid Level

$37,630

ANNUAL

$18.09

HOURLY

Expert Level

$48,870

ANNUAL

$23.50

HOURLY

Projected Jobs

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

14,020

Projected job openings through 2030

Sample Career Roadmap

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Degree Recommendations

A.A.S. in Apprentice Tech Sheet Metal Worker
 Ivy Tech Community College
  View Program
A.A.S. in Apprentice Tech Sheet Metal Worker
 Ivy Tech Community College
  View Program
A.A.S. in Apprenticeship Technology-Sheet Metal Worker
 Ivy Tech Community College-Evansville
  View Program
A.A.S. in Apprenticeship Technology-Sheet Metal Worker
 Ivy Tech Community College-Fort Wayne
  View Program
A.A.S. in Apprenticeship Technology-Sheet Metal Worker
 Ivy Tech Community College-Indianapolis
  View Program
Austin Tri-Hawk Automotive Inc. Tool Die Maker Apprenticeship
 Southern Indiana Works d/b/a Region 10 Workforce Board Registered Apprenticeship Programs
  View Program
CNC Mill Operator Level I
 Monroe County Community Schools Adult Education
  View Program
Sheet Metal Apprenticeship
 Associated Builders And Contractors
  View Program
Sheet Metal Apprenticeship
 Associated Builders And Contractors
  View Program
Sheet Metal Apprenticeship
 Associated Builders And Contractors
  View Program

Top Expected Tasks

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

01

Examine completed workpieces for defects, such as chipped edges or marred surfaces and sort defective pieces according to types of flaws.

02

Measure completed workpieces to verify conformance to specifications, using micrometers, gauges, calipers, templates, or rulers.

03

Set stops on machine beds, change dies, and adjust components, such as rams or power presses, when making multiple or successive passes.

04

Start machines, monitor their operations, and record operational data.

05

Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.

06

Test and adjust machine speeds or actions, according to product specifications, using gauges and hand tools.

07

Install, align, and lock specified punches, dies, cutting blades, or other fixtures in rams or beds of machines, using gauges, templates, feelers, shims, and hand tools.

08

Read work orders or production schedules to determine specifications, such as materials to be used, locations of cutting lines, or dimensions and tolerances.

09

Position guides, stops, holding blocks, or other fixtures to secure and direct workpieces, using hand tools and measuring devices.

10

Position, align, and secure workpieces against fixtures or stops on machine beds or on dies.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Common knowledge, skills & abilities needed to get a foot in the door.

KNOWLEDGE

Mechanical

KNOWLEDGE

Production and Processing

KNOWLEDGE

Mathematics

KNOWLEDGE

English Language

KNOWLEDGE

Design

SKILL

Operations Monitoring

SKILL

Operation and Control

SKILL

Monitoring

SKILL

Quality Control Analysis

SKILL

Active Listening

ABILITY

Arm-Hand Steadiness

ABILITY

Control Precision

ABILITY

Near Vision

ABILITY

Manual Dexterity

ABILITY

Problem Sensitivity

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About This Career Path

Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.

Environment

Metal and plastic machine workers are employed mainly in factories. Workers must adhere to safety standards to protect themselves from workplace hazards. Most work full time, and some work evenings and weekends.

Also Known As

  • Automation technician
  • Cell technician
  • Cnc machinist (computer numerically controlled machinist)
  • Die repairman
  • Machine technician
  • Shear operator
  • Machine operator
  • Cnc machine setter (computer numerically controlled machine setter)
  • Cnc operator (computer numerically controlled operator)
  • Die setter
  • Set-up person
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