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 ListeningSpeakingReading ComprehensionQuality Control AnalysisTroubleshootingCoordinationComplex Problem SolvingWritingTime ManagementSocial PerceptivenessMathematicsJudgment and Decision MakingActive LearningRepairingEquipment MaintenanceEquipment SelectionSystems AnalysisLearning StrategiesInstructingSystems EvaluationService OrientationManagement of Personnel ResourcesPersuasionOperations AnalysisNegotiationTechnology DesignManagement of Material ResourcesInstallationProgrammingManagement of Financial ResourcesScience
Knowledge areas
MechanicalProduction and ProcessingMathematicsEnglish LanguageComputers and ElectronicsEducation and TrainingDesignEngineering and TechnologyAdministration and ManagementPublic Safety and SecurityPersonnel and Human ResourcesCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministrativeBuilding and ConstructionPhysicsSales and MarketingEconomics and AccountingTransportationChemistryCommunications and MediaTelecommunicationsForeign LanguagePsychologyGeographySociology and AnthropologyTherapy and CounselingLaw and GovernmentMedicine and DentistryHistory and ArcheologyFine ArtsBiologyPhilosophy and TheologyFood Production
Technology & tools
Autodesk AutoCADEditCNCExtensible markup language XMLG-codeKentech machine shop softwareM-codeMastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordSWIVEL SoftwareSiemens Solid EdgeSmartCAMcnc SmartCAMVero Software ALPHACAMVero Software Edgecam
Representative tasks
Controlling Machines and ProcessesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsHandling and Moving ObjectsProcessing InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsGetting InformationPerforming General Physical ActivitiesRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentWorking with ComputersUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsDocumenting/Recording InformationTraining and Teaching OthersAnalyzing Data or InformationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleThinking CreativelyEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersCoaching and Developing OthersEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesScheduling Work and ActivitiesDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesDeveloping and Building TeamsResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationStaffing Organizational UnitsPerforming Administrative ActivitiesSelling or Influencing Others
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 programmed 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
72 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
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