Career Overview
Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.
Also Known As
- Cell Technician
- CNC Machine Setter (Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Setter)
- Machine Operator
- Machine Technician
Alternate Job Titles
- Automatic Wheel-Line Operator
- Ballistics Laboratory Gunsmith
- Cell Technician
- Centrifugal Control Switch Machine Operator
- Clock Machine Setter
- CNC Machine Setter (Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Setter)
- Combination Machine Tool Operator
- Combination Machine Tool Setter
- Electrode Turner and Finisher
- Fabrication Set-Up Person
- Four Slide Machine Setter
- Four-Slide Machine Setter
- Gear Cutting Machine Set-Up Operator
- Gear Cutting Machine Setup Operator
- Gear Hobber Set-Up Operator
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
- Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces.
- Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Operations Monitoring
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Control Precision
- Near Vision
- Manual Dexterity
- Problem Sensitivity
- Visualization
- Information Ordering
- Far Vision
- Selective Attention
- Reaction Time
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Achievement Orientation
- Perseverance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Relationships
- Working Conditions
- Independence
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable wrenches
- Band saws
- Blow-molding machines
- Boring tools
- Buffing machines
- Claw hammers
- Compasses
- Computer numerical controlled CNC milling machines
- Cutting machines
- Desktop computers
- Drafting scales
- Extruding machines
- Face masks
- Gear hobbers
- Grease guns
Work Environment
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Time Pressure
- Spend Time Standing
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $34,130 |
| Median | $46,060 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $72,850 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 129,850
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $48,620
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $48,310
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $45,190
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $48,970
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $40,440
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.