Career overview

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

O*NET-SOC 51-4031.00

Median pay / yr$45,590

OutlookBelow Average

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

What it takes

The skills, knowledge, and credentials employers look for in Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic.

Operations MonitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and ControlControlling operations of equipment or systems.
Active ListeningGiving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical ThinkingUsing logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
MonitoringMonitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Production and ProcessingKnowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.