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Metal and Plastic Processing Workers


At a Glance

  • Are usually either set-up workers or operators and tenders
  • Set-up operators usually have more training and skills
  • Work alone most of the time
  • Sometimes wear safety gear, such as safety glasses and earplugs
  • May work nights and weekends
  • Receive training on the job

Career summary

Metal and plastic processing workers set up and operate machines that cut and shape metal or plastic pieces.

Metal and plastic processing workers operate several types of machines:

Metal and plastic processing workers can be grouped into two main categories:

Set-up workers

Set-up workers prepare machines and set and adjust the controls. They read work orders, blueprints, or other instructions. They select and install blades, tools, and other attachments for the machine. They adjust the attachments to ensure proper operation.

Set-up workers replace parts as they become worn. They clean and oil them regularly. They also do minor repairs. For example, they replace parts or sharpen worn blades.

Operators and tenders

Operators and tenders load and monitor the machines as they operate. They may use hoists to load large, heavy pieces of metal onto the machinery. They load plastic material in powder, pellet, or syrup form. After securing the work pieces they adjust fixtures that guide objects as they move through the machines.

Before starting the machines, operators set all controls for speed and feed rate. They monitor the process in case of jams or other problems. Some operators observe and record data from meters and gauges. If operators cannot fix the problem, they call a supervisor.

Many operators check the finished work. Metal machine operators may use meters or gauges to check that pieces are the right size. Operators also inspect the finished work pieces for defects and mark them.

Operators keep production records.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to metal and plastic processing workers.

Common work activities

Metal and plastic processing workers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, metal and plastic processing workers:

Interpersonal relationships

Physical work conditions

Work performance

Hours/travel

Physical demands

Metal and plastic processing workers frequently:

It is important for metal and plastic processing workers to be able to:

It is not as important, but still necessary, for metal and plastic processing workers to be able to:

Skills and abilities

Metal and plastic processing workers need to:

Communicate

Reason and problem solve

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Work with things

Perceive and visualize

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a metal and plastic processing worker, you typically need to:

Education after high school

No formal education beyond high school is required for this job.

On-the-job training

Almost all metal and plastic processing workers learn their skills on the job from an experienced worker. You begin by doing simple tasks such as helping other workers. Later, you learn to adjust feed speeds and change cutting tools.

The complexity of processing machines determines how much training you need to become an operator. You can learn basic machine functions in a few weeks. However, workers receive up to one year of training.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer to hire applicants who have good basic skills. These skills include reading, writing, and speaking English. Many employers require employees to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Employers also look for people with good verbal and people skills. Mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity are also helpful. Employers look for strong analytical skills in applicants for set-up operator positions.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link).

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic (SOC 51-4031)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Hourly $13.24 $15.99 $18.91 $24.26 $34.91
Monthly $2,294 $2,771 $3,277 $4,204 $6,050
Yearly $27,550 $33,260 $39,330 $50,450 $72,610
    Bellingham Hourly $14.18 $16.87 $21.42 $24.11 $25.75
Monthly $2,457 $2,924 $3,712 $4,178 $4,462
Yearly $29,486 $35,075 $44,559 $50,143 $53,571
    Longview Hourly $12.59 $15.84 $22.12 $28.53 $30.83
Monthly $2,182 $2,745 $3,833 $4,944 $5,343
Yearly $26,195 $32,961 $46,010 $59,325 $64,119
    Olympia-Tumwater Hourly $14.60 $17.07 $18.99 $22.50 $36.65
Monthly $2,530 $2,958 $3,291 $3,899 $6,351
Yearly $30,359 $35,498 $39,502 $46,800 $76,225
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Hourly $13.52 $16.63 $20.28 $26.68 $41.18
Monthly $2,343 $2,882 $3,515 $4,624 $7,136
Yearly $28,123 $34,587 $42,186 $55,493 $85,658
    Spokane-Spokane Valley Hourly $12.62 $14.80 $16.89 $18.71 $24.44
Monthly $2,187 $2,565 $2,927 $3,242 $4,235
Yearly $26,254 $30,776 $35,127 $38,912 $50,818
    Vancouver Hourly $13.55 $15.51 $18.67 $22.86 $26.51
Monthly $2,348 $2,688 $3,236 $3,962 $4,594
Yearly $28,198 $32,255 $38,820 $47,560 $55,154
    Wenatchee Hourly $13.08 $14.16 $18.45 $22.43 $24.17
Monthly $2,267 $2,454 $3,197 $3,887 $4,189
Yearly $27,206 $29,447 $38,381 $46,662 $50,262
    Yakima Hourly $16.64 $17.63 $19.30 $22.56 $27.50
Monthly $2,884 $3,055 $3,345 $3,910 $4,766
Yearly $34,616 $36,671 $40,139 $46,940 $57,209
United States Hourly $11.27 $13.41 $16.57 $20.40 $25.13
Monthly $1,953 $2,324 $2,872 $3,535 $4,355
Yearly $23,440 $27,900 $34,460 $42,440 $52,270

Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic (SOC 51-4032)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
    Vancouver Hourly $14.21 $16.40 $19.93 $29.33 $45.40
Monthly $2,463 $2,842 $3,454 $5,083 $7,868
Yearly $29,546 $34,110 $41,469 $61,017 $94,442
United States Hourly $12.00 $14.36 $18.28 $24.00 $30.13
Monthly $2,080 $2,489 $3,168 $4,159 $5,222
Yearly $24,960 $29,860 $38,020 $49,930 $62,680

Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic (SOC 51-4021)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Hourly $12.06 $14.60 $17.93 $22.33 $27.56
Monthly $2,090 $2,530 $3,107 $3,870 $4,776
Yearly $25,090 $30,370 $37,300 $46,440 $57,330
    Bellingham Hourly $12.65 $14.21 $17.09 $20.85 $25.18
Monthly $2,192 $2,463 $2,962 $3,613 $4,364
Yearly $26,309 $29,559 $35,552 $43,361 $52,389
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Hourly $12.12 $14.89 $18.21 $22.81 $28.86
Monthly $2,100 $2,580 $3,156 $3,953 $5,001
Yearly $25,217 $30,976 $37,867 $47,446 $60,039
    Vancouver Hourly $12.51 $13.45 $15.15 $19.60 $28.01
Monthly $2,168 $2,331 $2,625 $3,397 $4,854
Yearly $26,014 $27,979 $31,500 $40,756 $58,255
    Yakima Hourly $15.05 $16.77 $19.42 $22.33 $24.16
Monthly $2,608 $2,906 $3,365 $3,870 $4,187
Yearly $31,289 $34,896 $40,391 $46,442 $50,246
United States Hourly $11.46 $13.60 $16.90 $21.18 $25.03
Monthly $1,986 $2,357 $2,929 $3,670 $4,338
Yearly $23,840 $28,290 $35,150 $44,050 $52,060

Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic (SOC 51-4022)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
    Vancouver Hourly $11.54 $13.43 $17.16 $22.38 $29.36
Monthly $2,000 $2,327 $2,974 $3,878 $5,088
Yearly $24,004 $27,937 $35,695 $46,542 $61,067
United States Hourly $12.07 $14.98 $18.70 $23.84 $29.00
Monthly $2,092 $2,596 $3,241 $4,131 $5,026
Yearly $25,100 $31,170 $38,900 $49,590 $60,310

Grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic (SOC 51-4033)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Hourly $12.85 $14.56 $16.99 $19.70 $24.88
Monthly $2,227 $2,523 $2,944 $3,414 $4,312
Yearly $26,720 $30,290 $35,350 $40,970 $51,750
    Mount Vernon-Anacortes Hourly $14.86 $16.45 $17.86 $19.27 $20.45
Monthly $2,575 $2,851 $3,095 $3,339 $3,544
Yearly $30,920 $34,217 $37,146 $40,076 $42,520
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Hourly $13.08 $14.82 $17.15 $19.65 $25.07
Monthly $2,267 $2,568 $2,972 $3,405 $4,345
Yearly $27,208 $30,833 $35,672 $40,863 $52,137
    Spokane-Spokane Valley Hourly $13.44 $15.27 $17.98 $20.42 $24.03
Monthly $2,329 $2,646 $3,116 $3,539 $4,164
Yearly $27,950 $31,757 $37,398 $42,461 $49,968
    Vancouver Hourly $14.30 $16.85 $20.59 $24.26 $32.11
Monthly $2,478 $2,920 $3,568 $4,204 $5,565
Yearly $29,745 $35,043 $42,820 $50,462 $66,790
United States Hourly $11.52 $13.59 $16.76 $20.89 $25.08
Monthly $1,996 $2,355 $2,905 $3,620 $4,346
Yearly $23,960 $28,260 $34,850 $43,440 $52,170

Heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic (SOC 51-4191)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Hourly $14.96 $17.45 $21.55 $26.74 $45.12
Monthly $2,593 $3,024 $3,735 $4,634 $7,819
Yearly $31,120 $36,290 $44,820 $55,610 $93,860
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Hourly $14.90 $17.96 $22.84 $30.49 $47.09
Monthly $2,582 $3,112 $3,958 $5,284 $8,161
Yearly $31,006 $37,367 $47,504 $63,410 $97,946
    Vancouver Hourly $13.78 $16.72 $21.84 $25.95 $30.40
Monthly $2,388 $2,898 $3,785 $4,497 $5,268
Yearly $28,665 $34,776 $45,412 $53,967 $63,236
United States Hourly $12.30 $14.55 $18.04 $22.48 $26.61
Monthly $2,132 $2,522 $3,126 $3,896 $4,612
Yearly $25,580 $30,260 $37,520 $46,750 $55,340

Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic (SOC 51-4034)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Hourly $13.87 $16.72 $19.47 $23.50 $30.89
Monthly $2,404 $2,898 $3,374 $4,073 $5,353
Yearly $28,840 $34,780 $40,500 $48,870 $64,250
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Hourly $14.57 $17.51 $20.48 $26.23 $37.03
Monthly $2,525 $3,034 $3,549 $4,546 $6,417
Yearly $30,300 $36,420 $42,596 $54,553 $77,019
    Spokane-Spokane Valley Hourly $12.70 $16.30 $18.36 $20.97 $23.96
Monthly $2,201 $2,825 $3,182 $3,634 $4,152
Yearly $26,423 $33,915 $38,191 $43,614 $49,846
    Vancouver Hourly $18.13 $22.02 $27.63 $41.42 $47.13
Monthly $3,142 $3,816 $4,788 $7,178 $8,168
Yearly $37,718 $45,813 $57,461 $86,154 $98,026
United States Hourly $12.50 $15.04 $18.84 $23.54 $28.83
Monthly $2,166 $2,606 $3,265 $4,079 $4,996
Yearly $26,000 $31,270 $39,180 $48,970 $59,960

Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic (SOC 51-4035)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Hourly (1) (1) (1) (1) (1)
Monthly (1) (1) (1) (1) (1)
Yearly (1) (1) (1) (1) (1)
United States Hourly $12.60 $16.05 $20.95 $26.01 $30.48
Monthly $2,184 $2,781 $3,631 $4,508 $5,282
Yearly $26,210 $33,380 $43,590 $54,090 $63,400

(1) Wage estimate is not available.

Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic (SOC 51-4072)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Hourly $12.47 $14.07 $16.99 $21.88 $27.53
Monthly $2,161 $2,438 $2,944 $3,792 $4,771
Yearly $25,930 $29,250 $35,350 $45,510 $57,260
    Bellingham Hourly $17.86 $20.34 $22.16 $23.99 $25.08
Monthly $3,095 $3,525 $3,840 $4,157 $4,346
Yearly $37,137 $42,316 $46,093 $49,882 $52,164
    Longview Hourly $13.55 $14.76 $16.26 $18.42 $20.89
Monthly $2,348 $2,558 $2,818 $3,192 $3,620
Yearly $28,184 $30,694 $33,821 $38,307 $43,442
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Hourly $12.92 $14.17 $16.72 $21.13 $25.99
Monthly $2,239 $2,456 $2,898 $3,662 $4,504
Yearly $26,861 $29,476 $34,789 $43,947 $54,052
    Spokane-Spokane Valley Hourly $12.48 $14.64 $17.31 $21.80 $27.81
Monthly $2,163 $2,537 $3,000 $3,778 $4,819
Yearly $25,964 $30,455 $36,006 $45,335 $57,849
    Vancouver Hourly $11.19 $12.25 $15.81 $22.31 $27.31
Monthly $1,939 $2,123 $2,740 $3,866 $4,733
Yearly $23,279 $25,485 $32,899 $46,408 $56,805
    Yakima Hourly $12.38 $13.75 $16.63 $19.79 $24.70
Monthly $2,145 $2,383 $2,882 $3,430 $4,281
Yearly $25,746 $28,597 $34,590 $41,168 $51,381
United States Hourly $10.58 $12.38 $15.13 $19.14 $24.15
Monthly $1,834 $2,145 $2,622 $3,317 $4,185
Yearly $22,020 $25,760 $31,480 $39,810 $50,240

Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic (SOC 51-4081)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Hourly $13.59 $15.69 $17.74 $20.22 $24.35
Monthly $2,355 $2,719 $3,074 $3,504 $4,220
Yearly $28,280 $32,630 $36,890 $42,050 $50,650
    Bellingham Hourly $13.01 $14.16 $16.61 $19.34 $23.36
Monthly $2,255 $2,454 $2,879 $3,352 $4,048
Yearly $27,052 $29,445 $34,556 $40,221 $48,598
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Hourly $13.92 $16.07 $18.19 $20.51 $24.25
Monthly $2,412 $2,785 $3,152 $3,554 $4,203
Yearly $28,944 $33,430 $37,831 $42,652 $50,434
    Spokane-Spokane Valley Hourly $13.80 $15.97 $18.00 $21.51 $28.12
Monthly $2,392 $2,768 $3,119 $3,728 $4,873
Yearly $28,701 $33,204 $37,454 $44,731 $58,492
    Vancouver Hourly $11.00 $11.88 $14.68 $18.67 $23.49
Monthly $1,906 $2,059 $2,544 $3,236 $4,071
Yearly $22,864 $24,697 $30,519 $38,820 $48,864
    Yakima Hourly $14.95 $17.20 $20.03 $23.14 $26.84
Monthly $2,591 $2,981 $3,471 $4,010 $4,651
Yearly $31,110 $35,775 $41,647 $48,127 $55,832
United States Hourly $11.27 $13.56 $17.01 $21.54 $26.77
Monthly $1,953 $2,350 $2,948 $3,733 $4,639
Yearly $23,440 $28,210 $35,390 $44,800 $55,680

Plating and coating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic (SOC 51-4193)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Hourly $11.87 $12.51 $16.79 $24.40 $29.13
Monthly $2,057 $2,168 $2,910 $4,229 $5,048
Yearly $24,680 $26,030 $34,930 $50,750 $60,590
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Hourly $12.04 $12.50 $15.53 $24.69 $30.20
Monthly $2,087 $2,166 $2,691 $4,279 $5,234
Yearly $25,048 $26,005 $32,298 $51,366 $62,827
    Spokane-Spokane Valley Hourly $12.52 $14.09 $17.02 $19.76 $24.59
Monthly $2,170 $2,442 $2,950 $3,424 $4,261
Yearly $26,043 $29,319 $35,407 $41,101 $51,136
    Vancouver Hourly $12.38 $14.87 $17.71 $20.63 $24.64
Monthly $2,145 $2,577 $3,069 $3,575 $4,270
Yearly $25,752 $30,939 $36,826 $42,901 $51,242
United States Hourly $11.05 $12.84 $15.58 $19.39 $24.39
Monthly $1,915 $2,225 $2,700 $3,360 $4,227
Yearly $22,980 $26,710 $32,420 $40,330 $50,740

Rolling machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic (SOC 51-4023)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Hourly $13.32 $16.22 $21.08 $28.15 $33.55
Monthly $2,308 $2,811 $3,653 $4,878 $5,814
Yearly $27,710 $33,730 $43,850 $58,540 $69,780
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Hourly $12.35 $16.06 $19.91 $24.61 $42.05
Monthly $2,140 $2,783 $3,450 $4,265 $7,287
Yearly $25,674 $33,402 $41,423 $51,187 $87,451
    Vancouver Hourly $12.86 $15.08 $19.55 $26.09 $31.15
Monthly $2,229 $2,613 $3,388 $4,521 $5,398
Yearly $26,746 $31,352 $40,660 $54,266 $64,779
United States Hourly $12.37 $14.74 $18.58 $23.92 $29.15
Monthly $2,144 $2,554 $3,220 $4,145 $5,052
Yearly $25,720 $30,650 $38,650 $49,760 $60,640

Wages vary by the type of material worked with. Wages also vary based on the size of the company, the industry, and the type of machine operated. Workers earn higher wages for working with more complex machines. The skill level and experience of the operator also affect wages. In addition, workers who are members of a union usually receive higher wages.

Many full-time metal and plastic processing workers receive benefits. These typically include paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (SOC 51-4031)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 1,957 4.5% 16.1% 243
    Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties 72 9.7% 13.4% 10
    Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties 10 0.0% 11.9% 1
    Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties 94 11.7% 15.2% 13
    Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties 39 7.7% 14.1% 5
    Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties 93 9.7% 14.6% 13
    King County 816 2.0% 19.6% 95
    Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties 106 5.7% 13.8% 13
    Pierce County 140 5.7% 15.2% 18
    Snohomish County 346 0.9% 12.4% 40
    Spokane County 213 6.6% 13.9% 27
United States 188,800 -8.5% 5.2% 18,600

Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (SOC 51-4032)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 10 0.0% 16.1% 1
United States 11,600 -20.7% 5.2% 900

Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (SOC 51-4021)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 1,018 1.0% 16.1% 104
    Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties 15 0.0% 11.9% 1
    Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties 168 13.1% 15.2% 22
    Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties 27 -18.5% 14.1% 1
    Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties 67 4.5% 14.6% 8
    King County 276 -1.4% 19.6% 26
    Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties 212 2.4% 13.8% 22
    Pierce County 143 -3.5% 15.2% 13
    Snohomish County 71 4.2% 12.4% 8
United States 76,500 -9.9% 5.2% 8,300

Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (SOC 51-4022)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 31 6.5% 16.1% 3
United States 18,600 -19.4% 5.2% 1,200

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (SOC 51-4033)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 1,163 2.1% 16.1% 128
    Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties 28 14.3% 13.4% 4
    Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties 55 5.5% 15.2% 6
    Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties 15 -6.7% 14.1% 1
    Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties 38 23.7% 14.6% 6
    King County 435 2.3% 19.6% 48
    Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties 15 13.3% 13.8% 2
    Pierce County 104 0.0% 15.2% 11
    Snohomish County 326 -0.6% 12.4% 33
    Spokane County 97 5.2% 13.9% 11
United States 75,400 -9.5% 5.2% 7,400

Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (SOC 51-4191)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 77 -2.6% 16.1% 8
    King County 74 -4.1% 19.6% 7
United States 20,000 -11.5% 5.2% 1,700

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (SOC 51-4034)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 123 6.5% 16.1% 13
    Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties 17 23.5% 14.6% 2
    King County 13 -7.7% 19.6% 1
    Pierce County 15 20.0% 15.2% 2
    Snohomish County 41 4.9% 12.4% 4
    Spokane County 15 6.7% 13.9% 2
United States 29,900 -11.7% 5.2% 2,800

Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (SOC 51-4035)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 107 -14.0% 16.1% 7
    King County 44 -13.6% 19.6% 3
    Pierce County 28 -17.9% 15.2% 1
    Spokane County 16 -6.3% 13.9% 2
United States 19,800 -20.7% 5.2% 1,400

Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (SOC 51-4072)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 2,569 4.0% 16.1% 315
    Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties 53 9.4% 13.4% 7
    Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties 221 2.7% 11.9% 26
    Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties 154 8.4% 15.2% 21
    Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties 79 -8.9% 14.1% 6
    Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties 192 16.1% 14.6% 30
    King County 713 -1.5% 19.6% 76
    Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties 189 2.1% 13.8% 22
    Pierce County 432 12.3% 15.2% 62
    Snohomish County 85 7.1% 12.4% 11
    Spokane County 452 4.0% 13.9% 56
United States 166,000 -9.3% 5.2% 15,700

Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (SOC 51-4081)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 721 4.6% 16.1% 85
    Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties 28 -3.6% 13.4% 3
    Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties 47 8.5% 15.2% 6
    Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties 12 0.0% 14.1% 1
    King County 254 7.1% 19.6% 31
    Snohomish County 71 7.0% 12.4% 9
    Spokane County 122 0.8% 13.9% 13
United States 135,900 2.1% 5.2% 14,700

Plating and Coating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (SOC 51-4193)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 375 8.3% 16.1% 45
    Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties 39 0.0% 11.9% 4
    Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties 18 0.0% 15.2% 2
    King County 90 6.7% 19.6% 11
    Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties 10 10.0% 13.8% 1
    Pierce County 18 11.1% 15.2% 2
    Snohomish County 93 14.0% 12.4% 12
    Spokane County 49 10.2% 13.9% 6
United States 40,600 -11.1% 5.2% 3,600

Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (SOC 51-4023)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 259 9.3% 16.1% 32
    Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties 20 10.0% 14.1% 2
    King County 99 5.1% 19.6% 11
    Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties 31 12.9% 13.8% 4
    Pierce County 31 -6.5% 15.2% 3
    Snohomish County 19 0.0% 12.4% 2
United States 27,100 -12.2% 5.2% 2,100

National employment

Major employers:

National outlook

Growth in this occupation is declining. The decline is tied to the decline in the manufacturing industry. More plastic and metal parts are manufactured overseas. Automation means that many parts can be made by machines and robots. Fewer workers are required.

Many job openings will occur as current metal and plastic processing machine operators retire or switch to other occupations. Job prospects are best for those with experience operating computer-controlled equipment. 

Other resources

American Foundry Society (external link)
1695 North Penny Lane
Schaumburg, IL 60173
800.537.4237
847.824.0181
Forging Industry Association (external link)
1111 Superior Avenue, Suite 615
Cleveland, OH 44114
216.781.6260
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (external link)
9000 Machinists Place
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301.967.4500
Precision Metalforming Association (external link)
6363 Oak Tree Boulevard
Independence, OH 44131
216.901.8800
United Steelworkers of America (external link)
60 Boulevard of the Allies
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412.562.2400
Washington Business Week (external link)
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

Career path

O*Net (external link) occupations

O*Net job zone (external link)

DOT occupations

Strong Interest Inventory

Holland occupational clusters

COPSystem