Metal and Plastic Machine Workers

 1. OVERVIEW

Metal and plastic machine workers set up, operate, and monitor equipment that shapes metal and plastic into parts used across countless industries. They may specialize in CNC (computer numerically controlled) machines, molding machines, casting equipment, or heat-treating tools. Workers can be found in automotive, aerospace, plastic fabrication, and general manufacturing facilities.

• 2024 Median Pay: $46,800/year ($22.50/hour)

• Job Growth (2023–2033): -6% (decline)

• Typical Education: High school diploma or equivalent; CNC programmers may require postsecondary training

2. ROLE BREAKDOWN BY LEVEL

ENTRY LEVEL

Job Titles: Machine Operator, CNC Operator Trainee, Press Machine Tender, Molding Machine Assistant

Education: High school diploma or GED; on-the-job training

Experience: None required; moderate-term on-the-job training (up to 1 year)

Certifications (Optional):

• OSHA Safety Certification

• NIMS Level I Certification (Basic Machining or CNC Operations)

Core Duties:

• Load and unload materials into machines

• Operate basic machinery (presses, molders, lathes, grinders)

• Monitor machine operation and perform minor adjustments

• Record output data and inspect parts visually or with tools

• Follow safety procedures in manufacturing environments

Salary Range: $34,980–$48,000

MID LEVEL

Job Titles: CNC Setup Technician, Machine Setter, Tool Setter, Process Operator, Foundry Coremaker

Education: High school diploma plus technical coursework or community college certificates

Certifications (Preferred):

• NIMS Level II or III

• CNC Programming Certificate

• Lean Manufacturing or Quality Control Certificates

Core Duties:

• Set up machines for production runs

• Adjust feeds, speeds, and tools per blueprint specs

• Troubleshoot mechanical or programming issues

• Use gauges, micrometers, and calipers for precision testing

• Cross-train on multiple machines or processes

Salary Range: $48,000–$60,000

SENIOR LEVEL

Job Titles: Lead CNC Programmer, Plant Machine Supervisor, Tool Room Manager, Senior Operator Technician

Education: Associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, or equivalent experience

Certifications (Valued):

• Certified Manufacturing Technologist (CMfgT)

• Advanced CNC Software Training (Mastercam, Fusion 360)

• NIMS Advanced Level Credentials

Core Duties:

• Manage machine shop schedules and productivity

• Mentor junior operators and oversee training

• Collaborate with engineers on product specs and tooling

• Ensure regulatory and quality compliance (ISO, OSHA)

• Lead continuous improvement projects (Lean, Six Sigma)

Salary Range: $60,000–$75,000+

3. HOW TO BECOME ONE

• Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED

• Preferred Path: Technical school or apprenticeship program

• Training: 6–12 months on-the-job training or formal certificate programs

• Certifications: Offered by NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills)

• Helpful Skills: Blueprint reading, mechanical reasoning, physical stamina, safety awareness, basic computer operation

4. SKILLS & TOOLS

Core Skills:

• Blueprint reading & mechanical comprehension

• Math (basic geometry, measurements)

• Machine setup and troubleshooting

• Visual inspection and defect recognition

• Safety and hazard prevention

Tools:

• CNC equipment (lathes, mills, routers)

• Calipers, micrometers, gauges

• CAD/CAM software (basic)

• Heat treating & welding machines

• Molding and casting systems

5. WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Industries: Fabricated metal manufacturing, plastics, automotive, aerospace, foundries

• Schedules: Mostly full-time; evening/weekend shifts common in 24-hour production cycles

• Physical Requirements: Standing for long periods, repetitive tasks, lifting heavy items

• Protective Equipment: Safety glasses, gloves, ear protection, steel-toe boots

6. JOB OUTLOOK

• Annual Openings: 91,800 through 2033 (mostly replacements)

• Growth Drivers: CNC technology, automation, skilled trades retirement

• Challenges: Job losses due to robotics and lean manufacturing

• In-Demand Roles: CNC Programmers (+15% growth projected)

7. RELATED OCCUPATIONS

• Role: Machinists and Tool and Die Makers | Salary: $57,700 | Education Level: High School Diploma

• Role: Assemblers and Fabricators | Salary: $43,570 | Education Level: High School Diploma

• Role: Industrial Machinery Mechanics | Salary: $63,510 | Education Level: High School Diploma

• Role: Painting and Coating Workers | Salary: $47,390 | Education Level: High School Diploma

• Role: Welders, Cutters, and Brazers | Salary: $51,230 | Education Level: High School Diploma

8. RESOURCES FOR LEARNING & ADVANCEMENT

Certifications & Associations:

• National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS)

• Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT)

• Fabricators & Manufacturers Association (FMA)

• Precision Metalforming Association (PMA)

Books:

• Machinery's Handbook by Erik Oberg

• CNC Programming Handbook by Peter Smid

• Modern Manufacturing Processes by Mikell Groover

Videos & Online Courses:

• YouTube: "Titans of CNC", "NYC CNC", "CNC Machining Basics"

• LinkedIn Learning: Manufacturing & CNC Courses

• Tooling U-SME Training Library

Communities:

• Reddit: r/Machinists, r/Manufacturing

• Facebook Groups: CNC Machining, Manufacturing Trades

• Trade Schools and Apprenticeship Programs in your state

9. REGIONAL DATA & EMPLOYMENT TRENDS

• BLS Profile – Metal & Plastic Machine Workers

• Projections Central – State-level job outlook

• CareerOneStop – Local wage data and programs

Note: While automation may impact long-term job demand, workers with skills in CNC programming and multi-machine operation will remain valuable in the evolving manufacturing landscape.