Occupation · SOC 51-4035
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Set up, operate, or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic work pieces.
Median wage
$48,310
$36,810–$75,000
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
13,810
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
230 mapped
Core skills
Operations MonitoringOperation and ControlMonitoringCritical ThinkingActive Listening
Knowledge areas
MechanicalProduction and ProcessingEnglish LanguageMathematicsComputers and Electronics
Technology & tools
Computer aided design CAD softwareIndustrial control softwareEnterprise application integration softwareObject or component oriented development softwareAnalytical or scientific software
Representative tasks
Remove workpieces from machines, and check to ensure that they conform to specifications, using measuring instruments such as microscopes, gauges, calipers, and micrometers.Verify alignment of workpieces on machines, using measuring instruments such as rules, gauges, or calipers.Move controls to set cutting specifications, to position cutting tools and workpieces in relation to each other, and to start machines.Observe milling or planing machine operation, and adjust controls to ensure conformance with specified tolerances.Select and install cutting tools and other accessories according to specifications, using hand tools or power tools.Position and secure workpieces on machines, using holding devices, measuring instruments, hand tools, and hoists.Replace worn tools, using hand tools, and sharpen dull tools, using bench grinders.Study blueprints, layouts, sketches, or work orders to assess workpiece specifications and to determine tooling instructions, tools and materials needed, and sequences of operations.Compute dimensions, tolerances, and angles of workpieces or machines according to specifications and knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.Mount attachments and tools, such as pantographs, engravers, or routers, to perform other operations, such as drilling or boring.Move cutters or material manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to mill workpieces to specifications.Select cutting speeds, feed rates, and depths of cuts, applying knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.Record production output.Turn valves or pull levers to start and regulate the flow of coolant or lubricant to work areas.Make templates or cutting tools.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Basic measuring instruments such as calipers and micrometers — identify and use under direct supervision to verify that removed workpieces meet dimensional specifications on the shop floor.Workpiece alignment on milling machines — check using rules and gauges following step-by-step guidance from a lead operator.Machine controls for cutting specifications — locate and adjust under close supervision to position cutting tools and workpieces as directed.Milling and planing machine operation — observe and report deviations from expected behavior to a supervising technician during production runs.Cutting tools and standard accessories — select and install using hand tools according to written specifications under direct instructor or supervisor oversight.Workpieces on machine fixtures — position and secure using basic holding devices and hand tools with assistance from an experienced operator.Worn or dull cutting tools — recognize and flag for replacement or sharpening, using a bench grinder under supervised conditions on the production floor.Blueprints and work orders — read and interpret basic workpiece specifications with guidance to identify required tools, materials, and operation sequences.Safety protocols for milling and planing operations — follow consistently, including proper use of personal protective equipment in a metal or plastics production environment.Industrial control software interfaces — navigate basic screens and input parameters under close supervision to support machine setup tasks.
developing
Removed workpieces — inspect independently using micrometers, gauges, and calipers to confirm conformance with dimensional tolerances during routine production runs.Workpiece alignment — verify using precision measuring instruments with minimal oversight, making straightforward corrections to positioning before machining begins.Cutting speed, feed rate, and depth-of-cut controls — set and adjust routinely based on job specifications to prepare milling or planing machines for standard operations.Machine performance during milling or planing cycles — monitor and make control adjustments to maintain specified tolerances across familiar material types.Cutting tools and tooling accessories — select, install, and torque to specification using hand tools or power tools in accordance with job documentation without close supervision.Workpieces of moderate complexity — position, align, and secure using holding devices, measuring instruments, and hoists following established setup procedures.Dull or worn cutting tools — replace and sharpen using bench grinders efficiently to minimize production downtime during a standard shift.Blueprints, sketches, and work orders for familiar part types — study and translate into tooling instructions and sequenced operation plans with limited supervisor input.CAD or CAM software — access and review part drawings or toolpath files to confirm setup parameters align with production requirements.Production quality data — record and track using spreadsheet software to support ongoing conformance monitoring within a manufacturing cell.
proficient
Complex or tight-tolerance workpieces — inspect autonomously using the full range of measuring instruments, diagnosing out-of-spec conditions and determining corrective actions without supervision.Workpiece alignment for non-routine geometries — verify and correct using advanced measurement techniques, resolving setup challenges on unfamiliar part configurations.Machine cutting parameters for varied materials and non-standard operations — calculate and set independently, optimizing feeds, speeds, and tool engagement to meet quality and throughput targets.Unexpected machine behavior or surface-finish deviations — diagnose using critical thinking and operations monitoring skills, adjusting controls to restore conformance mid-production.Specialized cutting tools and custom tooling assemblies — evaluate, select, and install for complex jobs, applying knowledge of mechanical principles and manufacturer specifications.Workpieces with complex fixturing requirements — plan and execute secure setups using precision holding devices, measurement instruments, and lifting equipment across the full range of production scenarios.Tool wear patterns and grinder settings — analyze and manage proactively, adjusting sharpening procedures to extend tool life and maintain part quality across a full production schedule.Multi-step blueprints, engineering layouts, and detailed work orders — interpret independently to derive complete tooling strategies and optimal operation sequences for complex assemblies.Industrial control and CAM software — configure and troubleshoot to support accurate machine setup and verify that programd toolpaths match engineering intent.Recurring quality or process problems — identify root causes through systematic analysis and implement sustainable process improvements within the machining cell.
advanced
Measurement and inspection standards for the work cell — establish and communicate, defining acceptable tolerances and instrument-use protocols that govern all operators' practice.Machine setup and alignment procedures — develop and standardize across multiple milling and planing machines, ensuring consistent quality output throughout the production department.Cutting parameter guidelines and feeds-and-speeds reference materials — author and maintain for the full range of materials and operations processed in the facility.Production monitoring systems and quality dashboards — design and implement to give supervisors and operators real-time visibility into conformance trends across the machining floor.Tooling procurement and inventory strategies — lead, evaluating supplier options and establishing par-level systems that reduce downtime and tooling costs facility-wide.Onboarding and skills-development programs for new milling and planing operators — design and deliver, incorporating hands-on workpiece setup, blueprint reading, and measurement competencies.Tool maintenance and sharpening programs — oversee and optimize, setting bench-grinder procedures and replacement schedules that extend consumable life across all production shifts.Cross-functional improvement projects involving engineering, quality, and production teams — lead, translating complex blueprint and process requirements into actionable machining solutions.CAD/CAM and enterprise production software ecosystems — champion adoption and integration, guiding teams in leveraging technology to improve setup accuracy and reduce cycle times.Departmental safety culture and compliance practices for milling and planing operations — model and enforce, conducting risk assessments and driving continuous improvement in workplace safety standards.
Also known as
123 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
ProfilerAircraft Metals Technology (Air Force 2A7X1)Planing Machine OperatorThread-Milling-Machine Set-Up OperatorThread Milling Machine Set Up OperatorMilling-Machine Set-Up Operator IFeed Mill OperatorSquaring Machine OperatorMilling OperatorHooking-Machine OperatorPantograph Machine Setup OperatorMill OperatorOperatorProfiling-Machine Set-Up Operator IGrinder OperatorTooth Cutter, Escape WheelShaper Setup OperatorGear RollerMagnesium-Mill OperatorAircraft Structural Maintenance Helper (Air Force 2A713)Production Broaching Machine OperatorSteel Wool Machine OperatorAircraft Structural Maintenance Journeyman (Air Force 2A753)Machinery Repairman Apprentice (Navy 003156)Lever MillerFile CutterRouter, Printed Circuit BoardsAircraft Structural Maintenance Apprentice (Air Force 2A733)Escape Wheel Tooth CutterScribing Machine OperatorProfiler OperatorMetal Milling Machine OperatorPlastic Thread Milling Machine Setup OperatorMilling Machine Setup OperatorTire Mold EngraverLow Observable Aircraft Structural Maintenance (Air Force 2A7X5)Machinist (Marine Corps 2161)CNC Mill Operator (Computer Numerical Control Mill Operator)Aircraft Metals Technology Journeyman (Air Force 2A751)Shaping Machine Operator