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Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Production · SOC 51-4035
0.0% AI Exposure — Low
$52,800
Median Annual Salary
Average
O*NET Outlook
1,400
Proj. Annual Openings
12,460
Employment (OEWS 2025)
100/100
AI Resiliency Score
AI exposure from the Anthropic Economic Index (2025); salary from BLS; skills from O*NET. See /sources.
AI Exposure Analysis
AI Exposure0.0%
AI Resiliency100/100
Exposure BandLow
Sector Avg. Exposure0.8%
Top Skills
1.Operations Monitoring
2.Operation and Control
3.Critical Thinking
4.Monitoring
5.Active Listening
O*NET occupation profile
What this work involves
Set up, operate, or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic work pieces.
Common titles: CNC Licensed Mill Operator (Computer Numerical Control Licensed Mill Operator), CNC Mill Operator (Computer Numerical Control Mill Operator), CNC Mill Operator (Computerized Numerical Control Mill Operator), CNC Mill Set Up Operator (Computerized Numerical Control Mill Set Up Operator), Machine Operator, Machine Set Up Operator
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.
Detailed Work Activities
- •Remove products or workpieces from production equipment.
- •Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.
- •Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly.
- •Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
- •Monitor equipment operation to ensure that products are not flawed.
Tools & Technologies
Autodesk AutoCAD · hotMicrosoft Excel · hotMicrosoft PowerPoint · hotG-codeM-codeMastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing softwareSiemens Solid EdgeSmartCAMcnc SmartCAMVero Software ALPHACAM
Related Occupations
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticGrinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticWoodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except SawingTool Grinders, Filers, and SharpenersMultiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Employment Projections & AI Exposure
15
Occupations Shown
0.5%
Avg AI Exposure
1
Bright Outlook
Sector Comparison
| Metric | This Career | Sector Average |
|---|---|---|
| AI Exposure | 0.0% | 0.8% |
| Outlook | Average | 4% Bright |
| Median Salary | $52,800 | N/A |
| AI Resiliency | 100/100 | N/A |