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
Supporting Programs
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
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
Related Careers
Manufacturing
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