Occupation · SOC 51-4193
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Set up, operate, or tend plating machines to coat metal or plastic products with chromium, zinc, copper, cadmium, nickel, or other metal to protect or decorate surfaces. Typically, the product being coated is immersed in molten metal or an electrolytic solution.
Median wage
$41,600
$31,940–$58,320
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
31,510
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
0 mapped
Core skills
Operations MonitoringReading ComprehensionOperation and ControlMonitoringActive ListeningTime ManagementSpeakingQuality Control AnalysisCritical ThinkingCoordinationJudgment and Decision MakingWritingSocial PerceptivenessComplex Problem SolvingTroubleshootingPersuasionNegotiationEquipment MaintenanceService OrientationRepairingLearning StrategiesInstructingManagement of Personnel ResourcesEquipment SelectionActive LearningSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisScienceMathematicsOperations AnalysisManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesTechnology DesignInstallationProgramming
Knowledge areas
Production and ProcessingMathematicsChemistryEnglish LanguageMechanicalEngineering and TechnologyEducation and TrainingLaw and GovernmentCustomer and Personal ServiceDesignPublic Safety and SecurityTransportationPhysicsAdministration and ManagementSales and MarketingPersonnel and Human ResourcesAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingComputers and ElectronicsBuilding and ConstructionTelecommunicationsPsychologyCommunications and MediaHistory and ArcheologyMedicine and DentistryGeographyTherapy and CounselingSociology and AnthropologyBiologyFood ProductionForeign LanguagePhilosophy and TheologyFine Arts
Technology & tools
Autodesk AutoCADComputer aided design CAD softwareHazardous materials management HMS softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft WordOracle Advanced Procurement
Representative tasks
Handling and Moving ObjectsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsControlling Machines and ProcessesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleGetting InformationOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentTraining and Teaching OthersEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkDocumenting/Recording InformationProcessing InformationCoaching and Developing OthersScheduling Work and ActivitiesGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesPerforming General Physical ActivitiesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAnalyzing Data or InformationInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersAssisting and Caring for OthersDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationWorking with ComputersSelling or Influencing OthersMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesPerforming Administrative ActivitiesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicStaffing Organizational Units
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Workpieces and coating solutions — immerse under direct supervision following step-by-step written procedures on the production floor.Dial settings and current controls — adjust with guidance from a trainer to maintain basic voltage levels during a plating cycle.Coated surfaces and plated areas — inspect visually for obvious defects such as air bubbles or uneven coverage under close supervisor review.Plating machine controls — set up and operate basic functions following standard operating procedures in a supervised production environment.Machine gauges and indicator readings — observe and report abnormal readings to a supervisor during routine production runs.Workpieces removed from solution — observe at timed intervals and flag nonconforming pieces for senior review against basic specifications.Production records and shift logs — maintain accurate entries using paper-based or simple digital forms under trainer direction.Excess material and surface impurities — remove from workpieces using air hoses under direct instruction in a metal finishing shop.Safety protocols and chemical handling rules — follow precisely when working with plating baths and coating solutions in a regulated facility.Hand tools and basic measuring instruments — identify and use correctly to support setup tasks under supervision on the production line.
developing
Workpieces and coating solutions — immerse independently for specified times, referencing process sheets without constant supervisor oversight on a production shift.Current flow and voltage dials — adjust routinely to maintain plating parameters within acceptable ranges during standard production runs.Plated surfaces and coated components — inspect systematically for defects including uneven coverage and adhesion failures using established quality criteria.Plating and coating machines — set up and operate across multiple product types, adapting settings to familiar material and solution changes.Gauge readings and machine performance indicators — monitor continuously and make minor adjustments or stop machines when out-of-range conditions arise.Workpieces at periodic intervals — remove from solution, measure coating thickness, and verify conformance to specifications using standard inspection tools.Production records and batch documentation — maintain accurately in spreadsheet or compliance software to support traceability on the shop floor.Grinding machines and air hoses — operate to remove impurities and excess material efficiently while meeting surface preparation standards.Chemical concentrations and bath conditions — monitor and report deviations to process technicians, applying basic chemistry knowledge to recognize abnormal trends.Work schedules and task sequencing — coordinate across multiple machine stations to meet daily production targets with minimal supervision.
proficient
Complex plating setups for chromium, zinc, copper, cadmium, and nickel coatings — configure and operate autonomously across a full range of metal and plastic workpieces in a high-volume facility.Current, voltage, and immersion parameters — analyze and fine-tune independently to resolve non-routine coating failures and restore conforming output.Defect patterns such as pitting, blistering, and uneven deposition — diagnose root causes and implement corrective actions without supervisor direction.Full machine operation cycle from setup to shutdown — manage end-to-end, troubleshooting mechanical or process issues as they arise on the production floor.Gauges, process controllers, and monitoring systems — interpret across multiple plating lines simultaneously and act decisively when anomalies threaten product quality.Coating thickness and adhesion specifications — verify against engineering drawings and customer requirements, accepting or rejecting parts per documented quality standards.Production records, compliance reports, and quality logs — compile and review for accuracy, identifying trends that signal process drift in plating operations.Surface preparation equipment and finishing tools — select and apply appropriately to diverse substrate materials, ensuring surfaces meet pre-plate cleanliness standards.Chemical bath composition and solution chemistry — evaluate and recommend replenishment or corrective additions to maintain optimal plating solution performance.CAD drawings and technical work orders — read and interpret to configure machines correctly for custom or precision plating jobs in a regulated production environment.
advanced
Plating process standards and best-practice procedures — develop and document for the department, setting the technical baseline for all operators in the facility.New plating machine installations and process changeovers — lead end-to-end, coordinating maintenance, engineering, and production staff to minimize downtime.Defect reduction and yield improvement initiatives — drive using quality control analysis and statistical data across multiple coating lines in a metal finishing operation.Operator training programs and on-the-job instruction — design and deliver to build competency in machine setup, chemical handling, and inspection across the workforce.Production schedules and resource allocation — oversee across shifts, balancing throughput targets with quality requirements and regulatory compliance obligations.Regulatory compliance requirements for chemical use, waste treatment, and worker safety — interpret and ensure facility-wide adherence through policy, training, and audits.Procurement decisions for chemicals, tooling, and replacement parts — guide using technical expertise and cost analysis to support efficient and compliant operations.Cross-functional relationships with engineering, quality, and customer service teams — lead to resolve escalated plating quality disputes and fulfill custom coating requirements.Key performance indicators for coating quality, machine uptime, and material yield — establish, track in spreadsheet and compliance systems, and report to plant management.Continuous improvement projects targeting coating efficiency and environmental impact — champion and implement, applying production processing knowledge and industry best practices.
Also known as
111 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
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