Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
Common Job Titles
- Machine Operator
- Press Operator
- Saw Operator
- Set-Up Operator
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
174,430
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $35,000. 25th percentile: U.S. $38,400. 50th percentile: U.S. $45,590. 75th percentile: U.S. $52,150. 90th percentile: U.S. $62,650. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $35,000 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $62,650 |
| Workers on average earn | $47,060 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Mechanical3.5/5
- Production and Processing3.2/5
- Mathematics3.0/5
- English Language2.8/5
- Design2.5/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Technology Skills
- Automated inventory software
- Computerized numerical control CNC software
- Operational databases
- Striker Systems SS-Punch
Tools & Equipment
- Abrasive wheels
- Adjustable hand wrenches
- Allen wrenches
- Anvils
- Bench grinders
- Bench lathes
- Blanking presses
- C clamps