DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA
51-4011 Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic
Occupational Description:
Operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic work pieces.| Percentiles | |||||||||
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| Geography | Employment | Emp SE* | Mean | Mean SE* | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
| Minnesota | 3,960 | 479 | $17.94/hr | $0.38/hr | $12.00/hr | $13.98/hr | $18.17/hr | $21.45/hr | $23.45/hr |
| U S | 138,870 | 2,639 | $17.93/hr | $0.09/hr | $11.37/hr | $13.81/hr | $17.33/hr | $21.39/hr | $25.75/hr |
| *SE = Standard error, a measure of the statistical reliability of the estimate. | |||||||||
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| Occupation (click title for details) | OES | Projections | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | Median Wage | % Change 2010 - 2020 | |
| Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 2,640 | $16.56/hr | -3.9% |
| Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 1,610 | $16.40/hr | 14.6% |
| Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 1,510 | $16.64/hr | 8.5% |
| Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 1,250 | $16.82/hr | 7.7% |
| Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 830 | $18.11/hr | 8.0% |
| Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers | 430 | $15.77/hr | -8.8% |
| Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 350 | $20.69/hr | 3.8% |
| Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders | 330 | $13.97/hr | 1.4% |
Tasks for Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic
- Selects, measures, assembles, and sets machine tools, such as drill bits and milling or cutting tools, using precision gauges and instruments.
- Mounts, installs, aligns, and secures tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpiece on machine, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
- Determines specifications or procedures for tooling set-up, machine operation, workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences, using blueprints, instructions, and machine knowledge.
- Calculates and sets machine controls to position tools, synchronize tape and tool, or regulate cutting depth, speed, feed, or coolant flow.
- Monitors machine operation and control panel displays to detect malfunctions and compare readings to specifications.
- Enters commands or manually adjusts machine controls to correct malfunctions or tolerances.
- Measures dimensions of finished workpiece to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.
- Examines electronic components for defects and completeness of laser-beam trimming, using microscope.
- Operates lathe, drill-press, jig-boring machine, or other machines manually or semiautomatically.
- Cleans machine, tooling, and parts, using solvent or solution and rag.
- Confers with supervisor or programmer to resolve machine malfunctions and production errors and obtains approval to continue production.
- Maintains machines and removes and replaces broken or worn machine tools, using hand tools.
- Lifts workpiece to machine manually, with hoist or crane, or with tweezers.
- Stops machine to remove finished workpiece or change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequence.
- Lays out and marks areas of part to be shot-peened, and fills hopper with shot.
- Positions and secures workpiece on machine bed, indexing table, fixture, or dispensing or holding device.
- Loads control media, such as tape, card, or disk, in machine controller or enters commands to retrieve programmed instructions.
- Starts automatic operation of numerical control machine to machine parts or test setup, workpiece dimensions, or programming.