Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic fall under the Production category in the U.S. occupational classification. Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn a median salary of $47,180 per year, ranking in the top 75% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +0.6% job growth through 2035, projected to grow slower than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires an apprenticeship, technical certification, or postsecondary training, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic earn?

The median annual wage for multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $47,180. That puts multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic at #617 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is +0.6%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 127K positions in 2024 to 127K in 2034, a net change of <1K. Flat growth typically reflects a mature, stable field. Most openings will come from retirements rather than new positions, which can favor candidates with strong networks and willingness to relocate.

What do multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs.
2. 2.Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.
3. 3.Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.
4. 4.Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools.
5. 5.Start machines and turn handwheels or valves to engage feeding, cooling, and lubricating mechanisms.
6. 6.Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments.
7. 7.Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces.
8. 8.Move controls or mount gears, cams, or templates in machines to set feed rates and cutting speeds, depths, and angles.

Top skills for multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?

Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically enter the field through a formal apprenticeship, technical certification, or vocational training program — a strong fit for teens who prefer hands-on learning over traditional college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators
  $46,880 median
• Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters
  $46,680 median
• Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  $46,570 median
• Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  $46,550 median
• Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders
  $46,460 median
• Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
  $46,350 median

Common questions parents ask about multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic