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Automotive Manufacturing
Ford, Toyota, General Motors
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
This job keeps metal and plastic parts moving through multiple machines at once by setting up the equipment, watching the cuts, and correcting problems before bad parts pile up. The work is distinct because precision matters every minute: you are balancing speed and output against quality, tool wear, and machine breakdowns. It is hands-on and practical, but the tradeoff is that the work can be repetitive, physically demanding, and vulnerable to automation over time.
Also known as CNC Machine OperatorMachine Set-Up OperatorProduction Machine OperatorMachine TenderSet-Up Technician
Median Salary
$46,060
Mean $48,590
U.S. Workforce
~130K
12.8K openings per year
10-Year Growth
+-0.5%
131K to 130.3K
Entry Education
High school diploma or equivalent
+ None experience
What This Role Looks Like in Practice
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic sits in the Trades category. In practical terms, this role combines day-to-day execution, cross-team coordination, and consistent decision-making under real business constraints.
U.S. employment is currently about ~130K workers, with a median annual pay of $46,060 and roughly 12.8K openings each year. Based on BLS projections, total employment is expected to decline from 131 K in 2024 to 130.3K in 2034.
Most hiring paths start with High school diploma or equivalent, and employers typically expect none of related experience. Many careers in this track begin around Production Helper and can progress toward Manufacturing Supervisor. High-value skills usually include Operations Monitoring & Process Control, CNC Controls, Feed Rates & Speed Adjustment, and Quality Control Analysis & Measuring Tools, paired with soft skills such as Attention to detail, Active listening, and Problem solving.
Core Responsibilities
- Set up machines for a run by loading the right tools, gears, and settings.
- Watch several machines while they run and adjust speeds, feeds, or angles when parts drift off target.
- Check finished pieces with gauges, calipers, rules, and templates to catch defects and measure accuracy.
- Replace worn cutters, brushes, and other accessories, and clear parts that get stuck in the machine.
Keep exploring: more Trades careers or browse all job titles.
A Day in the Life
01 Set up machines for a run by loading the right tools, gears, and settings.
02 Watch several machines while they run and adjust speeds, feeds, or angles when parts drift off target.
03 Check finished pieces with gauges, calipers, rules, and templates to catch defects and measure accuracy.
04 Replace worn cutters, brushes, and other accessories, and clear parts that get stuck in the machine.
05 Make small mechanical or electrical fixes on the spot and call maintenance when the problem is bigger.
06 Use shop math to figure out dimensions and help train newer workers on safe machine operation.
Industries That Hire
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Aerospace and Defense
Boeing, Lockheed Martin, RTX
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Medical Device Manufacturing
Medtronic, Stryker, Abbott
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Industrial Equipment and Heavy Machinery
Caterpillar, John Deere, Cummins
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Packaging and Plastics
Ball Corporation, Berry Global, Amcor
Pros and Cons
Advantages
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It is one of the more accessible manufacturing jobs: the usual entry requirement is a high school diploma, and the role needs no prior work experience.
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You get real, visible results every day, because your adjustments directly affect whether parts pass inspection or get scrapped.
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There are still steady openings, with about 12.8K annual openings projected, mostly from replacement needs rather than growth.
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The job builds skills that transfer across industries like automotive, aerospace, plastics, and medical devices.
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You can move into lead setup, quality, or maintenance work if you get good at troubleshooting and precision.
Challenges
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Pay is solid but not especially high for skilled hands-on work, at about $46,060 median annual pay and $48,590 mean pay.
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Growth is slightly negative at -0.5% from 2024 to 2034, so the field is not expanding and may get tighter over time.
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Automation and consolidation are a real long-term risk, since one person can now tend more machines than before.
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The work can feel repetitive, and a small setup mistake can create scrap, delays, or damaged tools.
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It can be physically tiring and noisy, with standing, lifting, cleanup, and shift-based plant schedules common in many shops.
Career Progression
Production Helper
0-1 years
$31K-$38K
Learns safety rules, feeds material into machines, clears finished parts, and supports experienced operators.
Machine Tool Operator
1-4 years
$39K-$44K
Runs one or two machines, makes routine adjustments, and checks parts for obvious defects.
Multiple Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender THIS ROLE
4-8 years
$45K-$53K
Sets up several machines, watches quality closely, handles minor repairs, and keeps production moving.
Lead Set-Up Technician
8-12 years
$54K-$64K
Handles harder setups, helps solve recurring problems, and often trains newer operators.
Manufacturing Supervisor
12+ years
$65K-$80K
Oversees shift output, staffing, quality targets, and coordination with maintenance and production planners.
Education Paths
High school diploma or equivalent
The most common entry point, held by 81.65% of workers in this role.
Post-secondary certificate in machining or CNC
A common alternative path, held by 7.64% of workers, especially for people who want more machine practice before starting work.
Some college courses or an associate degree in manufacturing technology
A smaller path, with 5.64% reporting some college courses and 3.94% reporting an associate's degree.
Apprenticeship or employer-led training
A realistic non-degree route for people who learn through moderate-term on-the-job training and build skill directly on the shop floor.
Key Skills
Technical
Operations Monitoring & Process Control 80%
CNC Controls, Feed Rates & Speed Adjustment 76%
Quality Control Analysis & Measuring Tools 68%
Blueprint Reading & Shop Math 64%
Equipment Maintenance & Tool Changes 62%
Machine Operation and Control 62%
Minor Mechanical and Electrical Troubleshooting 60%
Soft Skills
Attention to detailActive listeningProblem solvingJudgmentTeamworkSafety awareness Job Outlook and Trends
+-0.5%
Projected growth (2024-2034)
12.8K
Annual job openings
Employment is projected to rise from 131K to 130.3 K over the next decade, representing -0.5% growth. Around 12.8 K openings per year include both newly created roles and replacement hiring from turnover.
Remote availability is currently Rare. Demand remains strongest where employers need practical domain knowledge plus modern workflow and data skills.