Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Set up, operate, or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic work pieces.
SOC: 51-4035.00
Common Job Titles
CNC Licensed Mill Operator (Computer Numerical Control Licensed Mill Operator)
CNC Mill Operator (Computerized Numerical Control Mill Operator)
Machine Operator
Mill Operator
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
Hands-onOperate CNC milling machines and vertical machining centers in production settings, controlling machine processes to mill, plane, and shape metal and plastic workpieces.
Proficient
KnowledgeEvaluate workpiece quality against dimensional tolerances using coordinate measuring machines, digital calipers, and micrometers to ensure compliance with standards.
Proficient
Hands-onExecute multi-axis machining operations using horizontal and vertical milling machines to produce complex geometries on metal and plastic components.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply mathematical calculations for dimensional specifications when setting up milling operations, using precision measurement tools and gauges.
Developing
Hands-onCalibrate tooling and workholding devices including collet chucks and precision milling vises following production specifications and technical drawings.
Developing
KnowledgeInterpret technical blueprints, CAD drawings, and G-code programming to determine machining parameters and tooling requirements for production runs.
Developing
Hands-onPerform preventive maintenance and repairs on milling and planing machinery following mechanical and safety protocols to minimize downtime.
Developing
KnowledgeDiagnose machine malfunctions and tooling issues by monitoring machine operations and analyzing process variations during production.
Developing
KnowledgeSelect appropriate cutting tools, speeds, and feeds based on material properties and machining requirements to optimize production efficiency.
Developing
MindsetEngage in collaborative problem-solving with supervisors and team members when addressing production challenges and quality concerns.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
13,810
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $36,810. 25th percentile: U.S. $41,650. 50th percentile: U.S. $48,310. 75th percentile: U.S. $61,290. 90th percentile: U.S. $75,000. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$36,810
10% of workers earn the following or more
$75,000
Workers on average earn
$52,940
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Mechanical3.7/5
Production and Processing3.6/5
Mathematics3.5/5
English Language3.5/5
Computers and Electronics3.2/5
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
Extensible markup language XML
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
EditCNC
G-code
Kentech machine shop software
M-code
Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software
