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Occupation AtlasMilling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

O*NET · 51-4035.00

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

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

Also called Barrel Rib Matting Machine Operator · Barrel Rifler · Boring Mill Operator · Broacher · Broaching Machine Operator · Broaching Machine Set Up Operator · CNC Licensed Mill Operator · CNC Licensed Mill Operator (Computer Numerical Control Licensed Mill Operator)
70 more

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

Compare with another occupationCompare with Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine 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 Conventional4.38
  • I Investigative2.41
  • A Artistic1.19
  • S Social1.00
  • 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 Diploma10%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent47%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate15%
  • Some College Courses9%
  • Bachelor's Degree19%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (20%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (26%)
On-the-job training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (30%)

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 Monitoring3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Operation and Control3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Monitoringbasic3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Active Listeningbasic3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Quality Control Analysis2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Speakingbasic2.92.5Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Troubleshooting2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Coordination2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Complex Problem Solving2.82.4Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Mathematicsbasic2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
Show the other 23
  • Active Learningbasic2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Judgment and Decision Making2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Time Management2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Writingbasic2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Social Perceptiveness2.62.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Equipment Maintenance2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Repairing2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Equipment Selection2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Systems Analysis2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Instructing2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Systems Evaluation2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Service Orientation2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Persuasion1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Operations Analysis1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Negotiation1.81.4Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Installation1.60.9
  • Technology Design1.60.8
  • Management of Material Resources1.60.6
  • Management of Financial Resources1.50.5
  • Programming1.50.5
  • Sciencebasic1.40.4

Tasks

14 core · 1 supplemental

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

  1. Remove workpieces from machines, and check to ensure that they conform to specifications, using measuring instruments such as microscopes, gauges, calipers, and micrometers.4.5
  2. Move controls to set cutting specifications, to position cutting tools and workpieces in relation to each other, and to start machines.4.4
  3. Verify alignment of workpieces on machines, using measuring instruments such as rules, gauges, or calipers.4.4
  4. Observe milling or planing machine operation, and adjust controls to ensure conformance with specified tolerances.4.3
  5. Position and secure workpieces on machines, using holding devices, measuring instruments, hand tools, and hoists.4.3
  6. Select and install cutting tools and other accessories according to specifications, using hand tools or power tools.4.3
  7. Study blueprints, layouts, sketches, or work orders to assess workpiece specifications and to determine tooling instructions, tools and materials needed, and sequences of operations.4.2
  8. Compute dimensions, tolerances, and angles of workpieces or machines according to specifications and knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.4.2
  9. Replace worn tools, using hand tools, and sharpen dull tools, using bench grinders.4.2
  10. Select cutting speeds, feed rates, and depths of cuts, applying knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.4.1
  11. Move cutters or material manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to mill workpieces to specifications.4.1
  12. Mount attachments and tools, such as pantographs, engravers, or routers, to perform other operations, such as drilling or boring.4.1
Show the other 3
  1. Record production output.3.9
  2. Turn valves or pull levers to start and regulate the flow of coolant or lubricant to work areas.3.7
  3. Make templates or cutting tools.3.9

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Mechanical3.74.3Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Production and Processing3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • English Language3.52.7
  • Mathematics3.53.7Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Computers and Electronics3.23.8Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Design3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • Education and Training3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Engineering and Technology2.93.7Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
Show all 33
  • Administration and Management2.83.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Public Safety and Security2.72.3Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.52.1Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Administrative2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Customer and Personal Service2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
  • Building and Construction2.32.4Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Physics2.32.6
  • Economics and Accounting2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Sales and Marketing2.11.6Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Transportation2.11.1Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Chemistry1.92.0Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Communications and Media1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Foreign Language1.71.4Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Telecommunications1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Geography1.6—
  • Psychology1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Law and Government1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.5—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.50.7Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.4—
  • Biology1.3—
  • Fine Arts1.3—
  • History and Archeology1.3—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.3—
  • Food Production1.2—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Manual Dexterity3.63.3Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Near Vision3.63.1Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Control Precision3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Multilimb Coordination3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Problem Sensitivity3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Reaction Time3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Deductive Reasoning3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
Show all 52
  • Finger Dexterity3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Information Ordering3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Oral Comprehension3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Selective Attention3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Trunk Strength3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Visualization3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Inductive Reasoning3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Oral Expression3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Speech Recognition3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Written Comprehension3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Flexibility of Closure2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Perceptual Speed2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Static Strength2.92.9
  • Auditory Attention2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Listen for your flight announcement at a busy airport
  • Category Flexibility2.82.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Far Vision2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.82.4Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Speech Clarity2.82.8
  • Extent Flexibility2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Fluency of Ideas2.62.1Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Number Facility2.62.3Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Rate Control2.62.6
  • Written Expression2.62.4Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Response Orientation2.52.3Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Depth Perception2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Stamina2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Time Sharing2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Dynamic Strength2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Originality2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Gross Body Coordination2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Memorization2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Speed of Closure2.11.9
  • Explosive Strength2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Spatial Orientation1.90.9
  • Peripheral Vision1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Sound Localization1.80.9
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.80.9
  • Night Vision1.60.8
  • Glare Sensitivity1.40.4
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.76.0Level 7 looks like: Operate a precision milling machine
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.24.5Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.24.5Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.14.2Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Handling and Moving Objects4.05.5Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Processing Information3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.83.7Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.73.7Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
Show all 41
  • Getting Information3.72.5Level 1 looks like: Follow a standard blueprint
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.63.7Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.54.3Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Working with Computers3.53.0Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.32.9
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Training and Teaching Others3.23.3Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.13.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment3.12.8
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Thinking Creatively3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.93.2Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.83.0Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.82.6
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships2.83.7Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.82.7
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.62.2Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.41.9Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Developing and Building Teams2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.21.9Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.11.7Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.11.6Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization1.91.0Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.60.6Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Performing Administrative Activities1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.2—

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 Jackets4.9
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.6
  • Spend Time Standing4.5
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.5
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.3
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.3
  • Exposed to Contaminants4.1
  • Time Pressure4.1
  • Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment3.9
  • Spend Time Walking or Running3.8

Technology

16 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 (6)

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (10)
  • EditCNC
  • G-code
  • Kentech machine shop software
  • M-code
  • Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software
  • Siemens Solid Edge
  • SmartCAMcnc SmartCAM
  • SWIVEL Software
  • Vero Software ALPHACAM
  • Vero Software Edgecam

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. Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  3. Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
  4. Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
  5. Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  6. Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
  7. Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  8. Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  9. Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  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.