Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

SOC code 51-4035 · O*NET-SOC 51-4035.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Manufacturing and production

Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$52,800

a year

Hourly

$25.39

per hour

10th$37,840Median$52,80090th$81,030

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$56,740

$27.28 per hour

Middle 50%

$45,210 – $64,900

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$37,840 – $81,030

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

12,460

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $37,840; $18.19/hr
25th percentile: $45,210; $21.74/hr
Median percentile: $52,800; $25.39/hr
75th percentile: $64,900; $31.20/hr
90th percentile: $81,030; $38.96/hr

What do milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic do?

Set up, operate, or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic work pieces.

The tasks that matter most day to day

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.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 47% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)47%
Bachelor's Degree19%
Post-Secondary Certificate15%
Less than a High School Diploma10%

Common questions

How much does a milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic earn?

The national median is $52,800 a year. The full range runs from $37,840 at the 10th percentile to $81,030 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Critical Thinking3.1/5
Monitoring3.1/5
Active Listening3.0/5
Reading Comprehension2.9/5
Speaking2.9/5

Knowledge areas

Mechanical3.7/5
Production and Processing3.6/5
Mathematics3.5/5
English Language3.5/5
Computers and Electronics3.2/5
Education and Training3.0/5
Design3.0/5
Engineering and Technology2.9/5

Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Quality Control Analysis, Coordination, Complex Problem Solving.