Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
SOC Code: 51-4031
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics measure completed workpieces to verify conformance to specifications, using micrometers, gauges, calipers, templates, or rulers. This career typically requires moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year). With an AI-proof score of 75.2/100, this role has high resilience to automation. Key skills include Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Operations Monitoring.
AI-Proof Score: 75.2 — High
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Median Salary
$45,590
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Job Growth
-12.1%
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Training Time
Moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year)
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Job Zone
Zone 2 / 5
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Training Cost
~$5,000
Key Skills
- •Operation and Control
- •Operations Monitoring
- •Quality Control Analysis
- •Reading Comprehension
- •Active Listening
- •Speaking
- •Critical Thinking
Common Tasks
- ✓Measure completed workpieces to verify conformance to specifications, using micrometers, gauges, calipers, templates, or rulers.
- ✓Examine completed workpieces for defects, such as chipped edges or marred surfaces and sort defective pieces according to types of flaws.
- ✓Read work orders or production schedules to determine specifications, such as materials to be used, locations of cutting lines, or dimensions and tolerances.
- ✓Start machines, monitor their operations, and record operational data.
- ✓Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
Training & Resources
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