A milling and planing machine setter, operator, or tender controls and monitors equipment that shapes metal and plastic parts. The work is hands-on, in demand, and you can start with a high school diploma. Here is what the work involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
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You set up, operate, and tend milling and planing machines that cut and shape metal and plastic materials to precise specifications. Your day involves controlling machines and processes, monitoring equipment and materials closely, and inspecting finished parts for quality. You make decisions about adjustments when something is off, handle and move materials and finished products, and process technical information from blueprints and work orders. You stay alert to how the machine is running and catch problems before they become scrap.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn a median of $52,800 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is softer here. Employment is projected to fall 14 percent from 2024 to 2034, though there are still about 1,100 openings a year from turnover.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. You will learn on the job, starting as a tender and moving toward operator and setter roles as you gain experience. Some employers offer formal training programs or apprenticeships that teach machine operation, blueprint reading, and quality control. You will develop skills in critical thinking, monitoring, active listening, and mathematics as you work. Many people in this field start in entry-level roles and build expertise over months and years.
Most people enter this field through direct hire into entry-level roles or formal on-the-job training programs. If you are deciding between jumping in right away and pursuing more structured training first, Pathly can map the milling and planing machine setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic path that fits you and work through it with your counselor to find the path that fits your situation.
You do not need a license to work as a milling and planing machine setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You are drawn to hands-on, mechanical work where you solve real problems and see concrete results. You pay close attention to detail and enjoy working with machines and tools.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).