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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Median Salary
44,240
Job Outlook
-6%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Set up, operate, or tend heating equipment, such as heat-treating furnaces, flame-hardening machines, induction machines, soaking pits, or vacuum equipment to temper, harden, anneal, or heat treat metal or plastic objects.

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of metal and plastic machine workers is projected to decline 6 percent from 2023 to 2033. About 91,800 openings for metal and plastic machine workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$36,490

10%

$44,240

Median

$59,870

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    69%

  • Less than high school

    20%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    9%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Machine Tool Technology/Machinist
  • Machine Shop Technology/Assistant

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Production and Processing
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Education and Training
  • Mechanical

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Decision Making

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.