Computer numerically controlled machine tool programmers,
metal and plastic 16,600
Metal-refining furnace operators and tenders 15,600
Pourers and casters, metal 11,500
Foundry mold and coremakers 10,200
Model makers, metal and plastic 6,200
Patternmakers, metal and plastic 4,500
Metal and plastic machine workers are employed mainly in factories. Although the work is generally not dangerous, hazards exist and workers must adhere to safety standards. Most work in areas that are clean, well lit, and well ventilated.
Injuries
These workers operate powerful, high-speed machines that can be dangerous, so they must observe safety rules. Operators usually wear protective equipment, such as safety glasses, to protect them from flying particles of metal or plastic, earplugs to guard against noise from the machines, and steel-toed boots, to shield their feet from heavy objects that are dropped.
Many modern machines are enclosed, minimizing the exposure of workers to noise, dust, and lubricants used during machining.
Other required safety equipment varies by work setting and machine. For example, respirators are common for those in the plastics industry who work near materials that emit dangerous fumes or dust.
Work Schedules
Most metal and plastic machine workers are employed full time during regular business hours. Overtime is common, and because many manufacturers run the machinery long hours, evening and weekend work also is common.
How to Become a Metal or Plastic Machine Worker
Many workers attend vocational or trade school, learning to read blueprints and use computerized machinery.
A few weeks of on-the-job training are enough for most workers to learn basic machine operations, but 1 year or more is required to become highly skilled. Although a high school diploma is not required, employers prefer to hire workers who have one.
Education
For jobs as machine setters, operators, and tenders, employers generally prefer workers who have a high school diploma. Those interested in this occupation can improve their employment opportunities by completing high school courses in shop and blueprint reading and by gaining a working knowledge of the properties of metals and plastics. A solid math background, including courses in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and basic statistics, also is useful, along with experience working with computers.
Some community colleges and other schools offer courses and certificate programs in operating metal and plastics machines.
Training
Machine operator trainees usually begin by watching and helping experienced workers on the job, often through informal apprenticeships. Under supervision, they may start by supplying materials, starting and stopping the machines, or removing finished products from it. Then they advance to more difficult tasks that operators perform, such as adjusting feed speeds, changing cutting tools, or inspecting a finished product for defects. Eventually, some develop the skills and experience to set up machines and help newer operators.
It is largely the complexity of the equipment that determines the time required to become an operator. Most operators learn the basic machine operations and functions in a few weeks, but they may need a year or more to become skilled operators or to advance to the more highly skilled job of setter.
In addition to providing on-the-job training, employers may pay for some machine operators to attend classes. Other employers prefer to hire workers who have completed or are enrolled in a training program.
As the manufacturing process continues to advance with computerized machinery, knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines also can be helpful.
Certification
Although certification is not required, a growing number of employers prefer that applicants become certified. Certification can show competence and professionalism and can be helpful for advancement. The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) has developed skills standards in 24 operational areas and offers 52 skills certifications.
The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International also has developed a Precision Sheet Metal Operator (PSMO) certification program.
Advancement
Advancement usually includes higher pay and a wider range of responsibilities. With experience and expertise, workers can become trainees for more highly skilled positions. For example, it is common for machine operators to move into setup or machinery maintenance positions. Setup workers may move into maintenance, machinist, or tool and die maker roles. For more information, see the profiles on industrial machinery mechanics and maintenance workers, millwrights, and machinists and tool and die makers.
Skilled workers with good communication and analytical skills may move into supervisory positions.
Important Qualities
Computer skills. Modern technology systems require that metal and plastic machine workers be able to use programmable devices, computers, and robots on the factory floor.
Mechanical skills. Although modern technology has brought a lot of computer-based systems to this occupation, metal and plastic machine workers still set up and operate machinery. They must be comfortable working with machines and have a good understanding of how the machines and all their parts work.
Physical strength. Although most material handling is done using automated systems or is mechanically aided, some metal and plastic machine workers must be strong enough to guide and load heavy and bulky parts and materials into machines.
Stamina. Metal and plastic machine workers must be able to stand for long periods and perform repetitive work.
Pay
Metal and Plastic Machine Workers
Median hourly wages, May 2010
Total, All Occupations
$16.27
Metal and Plastic Machine Workers
$15.34
Production Occupations
$14.58
All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
The median hourly wage of metal and plastic machine workers was $15.34 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.96, and the top 10 percent earned more
