Milling and Planing Machine Setter Salary 2025: $52,800 Median, Jobs Shrinking
Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders who work with metal and plastic earned a median salary of $52,800 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to roughly $25 an hour, with the top 10% earning above $81,030 and the bottom 10% below $37,840. The occupation employs about 12,460 people nationwide, but that number is expected to drop.
How much Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn
The median annual wage for milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders in the metal and plastic industry is $52,800, with a mean wage of $56,740. Hourly pay averages about $25. The typical range runs from $37,840 at the 10th percentile to $81,030 at the 90th percentile, meaning experienced workers in high-paying areas can earn significantly more.
Earnings depend heavily on industry and location. Workers in aerospace, machinery manufacturing, and fabricated metal product manufacturing tend to earn above the median.
Pay by state
Washington is the highest-paying state for this occupation, with an average annual wage of $86,460. Connecticut follows at $79,300, then Kentucky at $66,440, Illinois at $63,360, and Massachusetts at $62,380. On the low end, Mississippi averages $39,100, Georgia $38,340, and Alabama $35,760. A move to a top-paying state can mean a difference of more than $50,000 per year.
How to become Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Most workers enter this role with a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training. Many learn through apprenticeships or vocational programs at trade schools or community colleges that offer machining courses. Typical steps include:
- Earn a high school diploma or GED; math and shop classes help.
- Complete a vocational program or apprenticeship in machine tool technology or a related field (1-2 years).
- Gain hands-on experience starting as a helper or entry-level operator.
- Consider voluntary certification, such as the Certified Machine Operator credential from the Precision Machined Products Association, to improve job prospects.
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment for milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders will decline 14.4% from 2024 to 2034. That's a loss of about 1,800 jobs over the decade, driven by automation and import competition. Still, about 1,100 openings occur each year due to workers retiring or leaving the occupation. Job prospects will be best for those with CNC programming skills and experience running automated equipment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the hourly pay for milling and planing machine setters?
The mean hourly wage is about $25, according to BLS data. The median annual salary is $52,800.
Is there demand for milling and planing machine operators?
Demand is declining. The BLS projects a 14.4% drop in employment from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,100 openings annually mainly due to replacement needs.
What education do you need to become a milling machine setter?
A high school diploma is typically required, plus on-the-job training. Many complete a vocational program or apprenticeship in machining.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic data.