Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Workers in this field set up and run machines that bend, bead, knurl, or flatten metal and plastic materials. Their daily activities center on controlling machines and processes, inspecting equipment, and handling materials. Operators must monitor processes and surroundings to ensure everything runs safely and correctly. They also gather information, solve mechanical problems, and communicate with their supervisors and team members.

This occupation fits well for individuals with realistic interests who enjoy practical, hands-on tasks. Success in this role requires strong skills in operation and control, operations monitoring, and quality control analysis. Workers need to use critical thinking and active listening to manage their daily duties. Key knowledge areas include mechanical processes, production techniques, and public safety. To perform this work safely and effectively, operators rely on work styles such as dependability, cautiousness, and high attention to detail.

To enter this career, candidates typically need a high school diploma. The occupation is classified under Job Zone 2, meaning it requires some preparation. Most workers enter the field with a high school education and then complete moderate on-the-job training or gain relevant experience to learn the trade.

For those looking to prepare through formal education, college majors in precision metal working provide highly relevant training. This educational background helps students build the mechanical and technical knowledge needed to configure and monitor production machinery. No specific professional certifications, licenses, or associations are reported as mandatory requirements to start working in this field.

The median annual pay for these machine operators is $50,140. Earnings vary based on experience and location, with the lowest 10% of workers earning less than $37,690, while the highest 10% earn more than $70,310. These figures represent the specific earnings for rolling machine setters, operators, and tenders in metal and plastic.

There are 25,250 people employed in this occupation. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to decline by -8.3%. Despite this projected decrease in total jobs, the field will still offer about 1,900 openings each year to replace workers who retire or transfer to other occupations.