BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasMultiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

O*NET · 51-4081.00

Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.

Also called Automatic Wheel-Line Operator · Ballistics Laboratory Gunsmith · Cell Technician · Centrifugal Control Switch Machine Operator · Clock Machine Setter · CNC Machine Setter · CNC Machine Setter (Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Setter) · Combination Machine Tool Operator
56 more

Combination Machine Tool Setter · Electrode Turner and Finisher · Fabrication Set-Up Person · Four Slide Machine Setter · Four-Slide Machine Setter · Gear Cutting Machine Set-Up Operator · Gear Cutting Machine Setup Operator · Gear Hobber Set-Up Operator · Gear Hobber Setup Operator · Gear Milling Machine Set-Up Operator · Gear Shaper Set-Up Operator · Gear Shaver Set-Up Operator · Gunsmith · Injection Molding Technician · Lay Up Technician · Loading Machine Tool Setter · Machine Operator · Machine Set-Up Operator · Machine Set-Up Technician · Machine Setter · Machine Shop Machine Setter · Machine Technician · Machine Tool Operator · Machine Try-Out Setter · Machine Tryout Setter · Manufacturing Associate · Manufacturing Operator · Metal and Plastic Combination Machine Tool Operator · Metal and Plastic Combination Machine Tool Setter · Metal and Plastic Transfer Machine Operator · Mold Set Up Technician · Mold Setter · Multi-Operation Forming Machine Operator · Multi-Operation Forming Machine Setter · Production Gear Cutting Machine Operator · Production Machine Tender · Production Operator · Rim Roller Operator · Rim Technician · Set Up Tech · Set Up Technician (Set Up Tech) · Shear Operator · Spiral Bevel Gear Generator Set-Up Operator · Spring Maker · Spring Manufacturing Set-Up Technician · Spring Manufacturing Setup Technician · Straight Bevel Gear Generator Set-Up Operator · Test and Turn-Up Technician · Tool Gear Cutting Machine Set-Up Operator · Tool Machine Setup Operator · Tool Operator · Tooling Set-Up Person · Transfer Machine Operator · Trim Machine Operator · Utility Operator · Weigh Up Technician

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic7.00
  • C Conventional4.59
  • I Investigative2.27
  • S Social1.08
  • A Artistic1.00
  • E Enterprising1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma1%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent82%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate8%
  • Some College Courses6%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree4%
Related work experience
None (42%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (21%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (25%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operations Monitoring4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Quality Control Analysis3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Equipment Maintenance3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Clean moving parts in production machinery
  • Operation and Control3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Monitoringbasic3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Active Listeningbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Complex Problem Solving3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Repairing3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Troubleshooting3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
Show the other 23
  • Speakingbasic3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Social Perceptiveness3.02.4Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Active Learningbasic2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Coordination2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Time Management2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Instructing2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Writingbasic2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.42.8Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Equipment Selection2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Persuasion2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Systems Analysis2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Service Orientation2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Mathematicsbasic2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Negotiation2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Systems Evaluation2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Installation2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Install a new air filter in an air conditioner
  • Operations Analysis2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Management of Financial Resources2.01.0Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Management of Material Resources2.01.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Technology Design1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Programming1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Sciencebasic1.3—

Tasks

18 core · 3 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments.4.6
  2. Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists.4.4
  3. Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.4.3
  4. Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.4.3
  5. Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.4.2
  6. Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces.4.2
  7. Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools.4.1
  8. Set machine stops or guides to specified lengths as indicated by scales, rules, or templates.4.1
  9. Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs.4.0
  10. Select the proper coolants and lubricants and start their flow.4.0
  11. Remove burrs, sharp edges, rust, or scale from workpieces, using files, hand grinders, wire brushes, or power tools.4.0
  12. Make minor electrical and mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines and notify supervisors when major service is required.3.9
Show the other 9
  1. Start machines and turn handwheels or valves to engage feeding, cooling, and lubricating mechanisms.3.9
  2. Compute data, such as gear dimensions or machine settings, applying knowledge of shop mathematics.3.9
  3. Move controls or mount gears, cams, or templates in machines to set feed rates and cutting speeds, depths, and angles.3.8
  4. Instruct other workers in machine set-up and operation.3.7
  5. Record operational data, such as pressure readings, lengths of strokes, feed rates, or speeds.3.6
  6. Extract or lift jammed pieces from machines, using fingers, wire hooks, or lift bars.3.5
  7. Measure and mark reference points and cutting lines on workpieces, using traced templates, compasses, and rules.4.1
  8. Write programs for computer numerical control (CNC) machines to cut metal and plastic materials.3.7
  9. Align layout marks with dies or blades.3.5

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Production and Processing4.13.5Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Mechanical3.94.3Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Mathematics3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • English Language3.33.2Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Design3.13.2Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • Education and Training2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Customer and Personal Service2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Engineering and Technology2.72.9
Show all 33
  • Administration and Management2.52.6
  • Computers and Electronics2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Psychology2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Administrative2.21.5Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Physics2.22.0Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Public Safety and Security2.21.7Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.01.7Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Sales and Marketing1.81.0Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Chemistry1.71.4Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Transportation1.71.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Economics and Accounting1.60.7Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Communications and Media1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Law and Government1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Telecommunications1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Building and Construction1.4—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.4—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.4—
  • Foreign Language1.3—
  • History and Archeology1.3—
  • Biology1.2—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.2—
  • Fine Arts1.0—
  • Food Production1.0—
  • Geography1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.93.3Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Control Precision3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Near Vision3.93.5Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Manual Dexterity3.83.4Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Problem Sensitivity3.63.1Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Visualization3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Information Ordering3.33.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Far Vision3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
Show all 52
  • Finger Dexterity3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Multilimb Coordination3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Oral Comprehension3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Reaction Time3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Selective Attention3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Speech Recognition3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Written Comprehension3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Auditory Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Category Flexibility3.03.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Deductive Reasoning3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Extent Flexibility3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Flexibility of Closure3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Hearing Sensitivity3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Inductive Reasoning3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Perceptual Speed3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Rate Control3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Keep up with a car that changes speed
  • Speech Clarity3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Fluency of Ideas2.92.4Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Oral Expression2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Static Strength2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
  • Time Sharing2.93.0Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Trunk Strength2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.92.9
  • Written Expression2.92.9
  • Originality2.62.1Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.52.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number Facility2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Response Orientation2.42.0Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Depth Perception2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Speed of Closure2.32.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Memorization2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Stamina2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Dynamic Strength2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Glare Sensitivity2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Gross Body Coordination2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Peripheral Vision2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Sound Localization2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Spatial Orientation2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Night Vision1.90.9
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.61.1Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Explosive Strength1.50.8
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.46.0Level 7 looks like: Operate a precision milling machine
  • Getting Information4.43.7Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.43.4Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.44.3Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.34.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.35.0Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.34.5Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Handling and Moving Objects4.26.0Level 7 looks like: Load boxes on an assembly line
Show all 41
  • Processing Information4.24.5Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Analyzing Data or Information4.13.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information4.13.8Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People4.14.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.04.5Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.93.7Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.94.4Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment3.93.8Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.84.3Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3.84.2Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.74.3Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Thinking Creatively3.74.7Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.64.3Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.64.4Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Training and Teaching Others3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Working with Computers3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.23.5Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Developing and Building Teams3.23.6Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.23.7Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.93.5Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.92.1Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.82.7
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.63.0Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.32.7
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.32.6
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.22.4Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.92.4Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.92.4Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets5.0
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.9
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.7
  • Time Pressure4.5
  • Spend Time Standing4.4
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.2
  • Contact With Others4.0
  • Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment4.0
  • Freedom to Make Decisions3.9
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled3.8

Technology

8 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (7)

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP software
Other tools (1)
  • Email software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  2. Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  3. Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  4. Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
  5. Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
  6. Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  7. Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  8. Industrial Machinery Mechanics
  9. Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
  10. Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.