Career Overview
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.
Also Known As
- Anodizer
- Chrome Plater
- Electro Plater
- Plater
Alternate Job Titles
- Alodize Machine Operator
- Anode Machine Operator
- Anodic Operator
- Anodic Treater
- Anodize Machine Operator
- Anodizer
- Anodizing Line Operator
- Anodizing Operator
- Anodizing Technician
- Automatic Metal Spraying Machine Operator
- Barrel Plater
- Black Oxide Coating Equipment Tender
- Bronze Plater
- Browning Processor
- Bullet Lubricating Machine Operator
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Immerse workpieces in coating solutions or liquid metal or plastic for specified times.
- Adjust dials to regulate flow of current and voltage supplied to terminals to control plating processes.
- Inspect coated or plated areas for defects, such as air bubbles or uneven coverage.
- Set up, operate, or tend plating or coating machines to coat metal or plastic products with chromium, zinc, copper, cadmium, nickel, or other metal to protect or decorate surfaces.
- Observe gauges to ensure that machines are operating properly, making adjustments or stopping machines when problems occur.
- Remove objects from solutions at periodic intervals and observe objects to verify conformance to specifications.
- Maintain production records.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Production and Processing
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Near Vision
- Control Precision
- Oral Comprehension
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Manual Dexterity
- Problem Sensitivity
- Multilimb Coordination
- Speech Clarity
- Oral Expression
- Inductive Reasoning
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Stress Tolerance
- Integrity
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Relationships
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Less than a High School Diploma
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
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 Outlook
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Bake ovens
- Chain hoists
- Digital ammeters
- Digital calipers
- Digital levels
- Digital micrometers
- Fixed workshop cranes
- Floor jacks
- Metal inert gas MIG welders
- Monorail conveyer systems
- Pallet jacks
- Plating tank
- Sand blasters
- Spin dryers
- Thermo galvanometers
Work Environment
- Time Pressure
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Exposed to Contaminants
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $31,940 |
| Median | $41,600 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $58,320 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 31,510
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $47,590
Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $47,450
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $47,060
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $41,230
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $45,690
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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.