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  1. Occupations
  2. Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

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

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

SOC: 51-4031.00

Common Job Titles

  • Machine Operator
  • Press Operator
  • Saw Operator
  • Set-Up Operator

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

174,430

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $35,000. 25th percentile: U.S. $38,400. 50th percentile: U.S. $45,590. 75th percentile: U.S. $52,150. 90th percentile: U.S. $62,650. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$35,000
10% of workers earn the following or more$62,650
Workers on average earn$47,060

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Mechanical3.5/5
  • Production and Processing3.2/5
  • Mathematics3.0/5
  • English Language2.8/5
  • Design2.5/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP software

Technology Skills

  • Automated inventory software
  • Computerized numerical control CNC software
  • Operational databases
  • Striker Systems SS-Punch

Tools & Equipment

  • Abrasive wheels
  • Adjustable hand wrenches
  • Allen wrenches
  • Anvils
  • Bench grinders
  • Bench lathes
  • Blanking presses
  • C clamps
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment

Related Occupations

Occupations with similar skills and knowledge requirements

Most Similar

  • Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 51-9032.00
  • Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing 51-7042.00
  • Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4034.00
  • Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4081.00
  • Tool and Die Makers 51-4111.00

Moderately Similar

  • Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4033.00
  • Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4035.00
  • Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4023.00
  • Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand 51-9022.00
  • Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners 51-4194.00

Related

  • Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4022.00
  • Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 51-6062.00
  • Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood 51-7041.00
  • Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 51-9196.00
  • Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4032.00
  • Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4021.00
  • Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4072.00
  • Industrial Machinery Mechanics 49-9041.00
  • Machine Feeders and Offbearers 53-7063.00
  • Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 51-9041.00

Related Programs

Education programs that prepare you for this occupation

  • CertificateSheetmetalIssuer: Coastal Alabama Community College
  • CertificateSheetmetalIssuer: Bishop State Community College
  • CertificateMachine Tool Technology - Machinist IIssuer: Florence-Darlington Technical College
  • CertificateMachine Tool Technology - Machine OperatorIssuer: Florence-Darlington Technical College
  • CertificateMachine Tool Technology - Computer Numerical Control ProgrammerIssuer: Florence-Darlington Technical College
  • CertificateMachine Tool Technology - Computer Numerical Control OperatorIssuer: Florence-Darlington Technical College
  • DiplomaMachine ToolIssuer: Florence-Darlington Technical College
  • CertificateStamping OperatorIssuer: NIMS
  • CertificateSpinning TechnicianIssuer: NIMS
  • CertificateSpinning SpecialistIssuer: NIMS