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Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Also called: Machine Operator, Press Operator, Saw Operator, Set-Up Operator

What they do:

Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.

On the job, you would:
  • Examine completed workpieces for defects, such as chipped edges or marred surfaces and sort defective pieces according to types of flaws.
  • Measure completed workpieces to verify conformance to specifications, using micrometers, gauges, calipers, templates, or rulers.
  • Set stops on machine beds, change dies, and adjust components, such as rams or power presses, when making multiple or successive passes.
On the job, you'll need:

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • manufacture and distribution of products

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Basic Skills

  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • hold or move items with your hands

Controlled Movement

  • quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
  • use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Independence
  • Initiative
  • Integrity
  • Self Control

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Electronic mail software

  • Microsoft Outlook

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  • SAP software

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Below Average.

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $39,340

Education

High school diploma/GED or certificate after high school is usually needed.

Explore More

See other careers in the Manufacturing industry.