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

SOC Code: 51-4193

Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics immerse workpieces in coating solutions or liquid metal or plastic for specified times. This career typically requires moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year). With an AI-proof score of 82.5/100, this role has high resilience to automation. Key skills include Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring.

AI-Proof Score: 82.5Very High
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Median Salary

$41,600

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Job Growth

-13.6%

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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

  • Operations Monitoring
  • Operation and Control
  • Monitoring
  • Active Listening
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking

Common Tasks

  • 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.

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