What You Need to Know About Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender
Example of Milling & Planing Machine Operator Job Set up, operate, or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic work pieces.
What Do Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Do On a Daily Basis?
- Move controls to set cutting specifications, to position cutting tools and workpieces in relation to each other, and to start machines.
- Compute dimensions, tolerances, and angles of workpieces or machines, according to specifications and knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
- Move cutters or material manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to mill workpieces to specifications.
- Select and install cutting tools and other accessories according to specifications, using hand tools or power tools.
- Select cutting speeds, feed rates, and depths of cuts, applying knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
- Position and secure workpieces on machines, using holding devices, measuring instruments, hand tools, and hoists.
Featured schools near , edit
Qualities of a Milling & Planing Machine Operator
Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Other Milling & Planing Machine Operator Job Titles
- Barrel Rifler
- Lever Miller
- Drill Rig Operator
- Hooking Machine Operator
- Tool Planer Set-Up Operator
What Kind of Milling & Planing Machine Operator Job Opportunities Are There?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 17,600 jobs in the United States for Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 1,300 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Milling & Planing Machine Operator are Arkansas, Louisiana, and Maryland. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Maine, or Ohio. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Milling & Planing Machine Operator Average Salary
The salary for Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders ranges between about $26,210 and $63,400 a year.

Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders who work in Tennessee, Connecticut, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $47,000 |
Arizona | $45,160 |
Arkansas | $44,440 |
California | $42,690 |
Colorado | $45,100 |
Connecticut | $55,780 |
Florida | $40,850 |
Georgia | $44,860 |
Idaho | $33,270 |
Illinois | $41,240 |
Indiana | $39,720 |
Iowa | $39,530 |
Kansas | $46,240 |
Kentucky | $42,290 |
Louisiana | $43,550 |
Maryland | $39,890 |
Massachusetts | $51,670 |
Michigan | $48,080 |
Minnesota | $42,130 |
Mississippi | $34,990 |
Missouri | $37,710 |
Nebraska | $40,090 |
New Hampshire | $36,120 |
New Jersey | $49,770 |
New York | $43,980 |
North Carolina | $36,650 |
Ohio | $45,710 |
Oklahoma | $34,060 |
Pennsylvania | $46,700 |
Rhode Island | $43,750 |
South Carolina | $31,370 |
Tennessee | $47,970 |
Texas | $40,230 |
Utah | $33,760 |
Vermont | $38,560 |
Virginia | $35,930 |
West Virginia | $40,710 |
Wisconsin | $43,060 |
What Tools do Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Extensible markup language XML
- Siemens PLM Software Solid Edge
- G code
- Mastercam
- SmartCAMcnc SmartCAM
- EditCNC
- M code
- Vero Software Alphacam
- Edgecam
Becoming a Milling & Planing Machine Operator
Are there Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders education requirements?

What work experience do I need to become a Milling & Planing Machine Operator?

Where Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Are Employed

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Metal and Plastic Milling and Planing Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: US Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |