What Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic this way: "Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments"; "Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary"; "Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences"; "Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces"; "Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is moderate-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 127,100 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 127,900 in 2035, an increase of 800 jobs (+0.6%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 11,600 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 9.1% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $47,180, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn the most
Across the 3 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $46,151 in Indiana to $63,296 in Texas, a gap of $17,145 (1.37 times). 2 of those 3 states average above the BLS national median of $47,180 and 1 average at or below it.
Indiana employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 14,200, which is 40.7% of the 34,860 counted across them. Illinois follows with 11,180.
Highest-paying states
Texas ($63,296), Illinois ($51,976) and Indiana ($46,151) lead the ranking, while Indiana ($46,151) and Illinois ($51,976) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: pay against the cost of living
We compare 3 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Dallas County, TX (Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX) at $39,409. The smallest margin is $7,845 in Cook County, IL.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 3 of the 3 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 28.4% and 59.0% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (51-4000) include Machinists, Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic and Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic.
Frequently asked questions about Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
How much do Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $47,180. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $46,151 to $63,296.
Which state pays Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic the most?
Texas, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $63,296. Illinois is next at $51,976.
Is Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 0.6% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 11,600 openings a year.
What education do Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and moderate-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Dallas County, TX leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $39,409 on a median wage of $80,110.