Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

SOC Code: 51-4023

Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics monitor machine cycles and mill operation to detect jamming and to ensure that products conform to specifications. This career typically requires moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year). With an AI-proof score of 76.7/100, this role has high resilience to automation. Key skills include Operations Monitoring, Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control.

AI-Proof Score: 76.7High
💰

Median Salary

$48,630

📈

Job Growth

-8.3%

⏱️

Training Time

Moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year)

🎓

Job Zone

Zone 2 / 5

💵

Training Cost

~$5,000

Key Skills

  • Operations Monitoring
  • Operation and Control
  • Quality Control Analysis
  • Monitoring
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking

Common Tasks

  • Monitor machine cycles and mill operation to detect jamming and to ensure that products conform to specifications.
  • Adjust and correct machine set-ups to reduce thicknesses, reshape products, and eliminate product defects.
  • Start operation of rolling and milling machines to flatten, temper, form, and reduce sheet metal sections and to produce steel strips.
  • Examine, inspect, and measure raw materials and finished products to verify conformance to specifications.
  • Read rolling orders, blueprints, and mill schedules to determine setup specifications, work sequences, product dimensions, and installation procedures.

Why AI-Proof?

  • Requires hands-on physical presence and dexterity
  • Demands human empathy, judgment, and trust
  • Operates in unpredictable, variable environments
  • Social and regulatory barriers to full automation