Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders: A Guide to the Metal and Plastic Industry
Plating is the process of adding a thin layer of metal or plastic to the surface of a material. This is commonly used to increase the durability and appearance of products. A plating machine setter, operator, or tender is a person who operates the machinery used in this process. This job requires attention to detail and the ability to follow instructions carefully.
Examples of Job Duties
- Set up and operate plating machines, including loading and unloading materials, adjusting settings, and monitoring the process
- Inspect finished products for quality and make any necessary adjustments to the machinery
- Maintain clean and safe working conditions, including cleaning and lubricating machinery as needed
- Record production data and report any issues or problems to a supervisor
Education and Training Requirements
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for this job. Additionally, on-the-job training is common, as most employers prefer to train their employees in their specific methods and procedures. Some companies may require previous experience working with machinery or in a related industry.
Progression and Advancement
As a plating machine setter, operator, or tender gains experience, they may have opportunities for advancement within their company. This may include becoming a supervisor or a quality control inspector. Additionally, some individuals may choose to further their education and pursue a degree in engineering or a related field.
Getting Started in the Field
If you are interested in becoming a plating machine setter, operator, or tender, there are a few steps you can take to get started. First, research companies in your area that offer this type of job and review their job requirements. You may also want to consider obtaining a certification in a related field, such as machinery or manufacturing technology. Finally, gaining hands-on experience through an apprenticeship or internship can be valuable in preparing for this career.
| Occupation | Job level | Salary data |
|---|---|---|
| Plating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | All workers | $36,649.60 (Level 02) $44,636.80 (Level 04) $35,318.40 (Entry) $44,636.80 (Intermediate) |
| Plating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | Full-time | $40,580.80 (All levels) $37,148.80 (Level 02) $44,990.40 (Level 04) $35,900.80 (Entry) $44,990.40 (Intermediate) |
| Plating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | Time-based pay | $40,102.40 (All levels) $36,753.60 (Nonunion) |
| Plating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | All levels | $39,852.80 (Nonunion) |
| Ohio, Plating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | Full-time | $41,246.40 |
| Indiana, Plating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | Time-based pay | $38,272.00 |
Plating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic, have an average salary of $36,649.60 for Level 02 workers in the US, which is the entry-level position for most individuals. The national average salary for this occupation is $44,636.80 for workers at Level 04, which is the highest level in this occupation.
Full-time employees in this occupation make an average of $40,580.80 nationwide. Plating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic, on time-based pay earn an average of $40,102.40, while nonunion workers make an average of $39,852.80.
The effects of unions on this occupation are noticeable as nonunion workers earn $36,171.20 on average, while union workers earn $36,753.60 on a time-based pay schedule.
Ohio offers some of the highest salaries for Plating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic in the US with a full-time salary of $41,246.40. Indiana has the lowest salary for this occupation on a time-based pay schedule, with an average salary of $33,384.00.
