Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Set up, operate, or tend plating machines to coat metal or plastic products with chromium, zinc, copper, cadmium, nickel, or other metal to protect or decorate surfaces. Typically, the product being coated is immersed in molten metal or an electrolytic solution.
SOC: 51-4193.00
Common Job Titles
Anodizer
Chrome Plater
Electro Plater
Plater
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
Hands-onOperate plating machines and electrolytic coating systems to apply metal coatings to products following established production protocols.
Developing
Hands-onManipulate metal and plastic products using hoists, cranes, and material handling equipment during immersion in molten metal or electrolytic solutions.
Developing
KnowledgeApply chemistry principles and production processing knowledge to achieve specified coating thickness and surface quality standards.
Developing
KnowledgeAnalyze coating quality and compliance with specifications using digital micrometers, calipers, and visual inspection techniques.
Developing
Hands-onCalibrate plating equipment parameters including voltage, temperature, and immersion time using digital ammeters and measurement devices under supervision.
Developing
KnowledgeApply troubleshooting procedures to resolve plating defects and process deviations in manufacturing environments following safety and quality protocols.
Developing
Hands-onExecute setup and changeover procedures for different coating materials and product types while maintaining production schedules and minimizing downtime.
Developing
KnowledgeDistinguish surface preparation requirements and coating application methods for chromium, zinc, copper, nickel, and cadmium plating processes.
Developing
MindsetEngage with supervisors and team members regarding production priorities and quality issues in collaborative manufacturing settings.
Developing
KnowledgeExplain hazardous materials handling and safety compliance requirements when training new operators or responding to workplace safety inquiries.
Developing
Hands-onPerform routine maintenance and cleaning of plating tanks and auxiliary equipment following mechanical and safety procedures to ensure operational readiness.
Developing
KnowledgeApply mathematical calculations to determine coating thickness, solution concentrations, and process timing using measurement instruments and standard operating procedures.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
31,510
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $31,940. 25th percentile: U.S. $36,620. 50th percentile: U.S. $41,600. 75th percentile: U.S. $48,990. 90th percentile: U.S. $58,320. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$31,940
10% of workers earn the following or more
$58,320
Workers on average earn
$43,820
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Production and Processing4.2/5
Mathematics3.5/5
Chemistry3.4/5
English Language3.4/5
Mechanical3.3/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
