Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Did You Know:*
- Manufacturing industries employ over 90 percent of workers.
- A few weeks of on-the-job training is sufficient for most workers to learn basic machine tending operations, but a year or more is required to become a highly skilled operator or setter.
- Employment is projected to decline rapidly.
- Those who can operate multiple machines will have the best opportunities for advancement and for gaining jobs with more long-term potential.
Industry Areas
- Machine Shops; Turned Product; and Screw, Nut, and Bolt Manufacturing
- Agriculture, Construction, and Mining Machinery Manufacturing
- Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing
Day-to-Day Tasks*
- Inspect sample workpieces to verify conformance with specifications, using instruments such as gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators.
- Study blueprints, layouts or charts, and job orders for information on specifications and tooling instructions, and to determine material requirements and operational sequences.
- Adjust machine controls and change tool settings in order to keep dimensions within specified tolerances.
Overall Kind of Work*
Consider the parts of a toaster, such as the metal or plastic housing or the lever that lowers the toast. These parts, and many other metal and plastic products, are produced by machines that are ...
Work Environment*
Civilian
Most machine setters, operators and tenders-metal and plastic work in areas that are clean, well-lit and well-ventilated. Nevertheless, stamina is required, because machine operators and setters a...
Workweek Breakdown
The hours worked per week by people currently pursuing this career.
- 61.53% (40 Hours)
- 38.47% (Over 50 Hours)
This data also pertains to Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic(51-4034)
Type of Work
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Skills at a Glance
The levels of different skills helpful in this career.
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Workplace at a Glance
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Business Breakdown
The different sectors people in this career currently work in.
- 97.37% (Private For-Profit)
- 0.22% (State and Local Govt)
- 2.41% (Self-Employed)