Metal & Plastic Machine Tool Operator

Explore This Path

Metal & Plastic Machine Tool Operator

Perfect for those who love hands-on work with cutting-edge machinery.
Shape the future by crafting essential components for various industries.
Master the art of precision with diverse machine tools and techniques.

💰 Earn $38K-$47K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 6–12 MONTH TRAINING

📈 1.8% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.

Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments.
Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists.
Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.
Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.
Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.

Scoop

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or GED

Career Prospects

Good (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

6 months to 1 year

Job Openings

13,100 Annually

Median Earnings

$41,280 in California

$41,600 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

$150K

$175K

$200K

$225K

$250K

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Complex Problem Solving
Judgment and Decision Making
Monitoring
Speaking
Time Management

You value 🙏

Having support
Job security
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Metal & Plastic Machine Tool Operator

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years