Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4031.00
Updated 2025

Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.

Sample of reported job titles: Die Setter, Fabrication Operator, Machine Operator, Machine Setter, Press Brake Operator, Press Operator, Punch Press Operator, Saw Operator, Setup Operator, Slitter Operator

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceCategoryTask
92
 
Core
Measure completed workpieces to verify conformance to specifications, using micrometers, gauges, calipers, templates, or rulers.
89
 
Core
Examine completed workpieces for defects, such as chipped edges or marred surfaces and sort defective pieces according to types of flaws.
87
 
Core
Read work orders or production schedules to determine specifications, such as materials to be used, locations of cutting lines, or dimensions and tolerances.
87
 
Core
Start machines, monitor their operations, and record operational data.
85
 
Core
Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
81
 
Core
Test and adjust machine speeds or actions, according to product specifications, using gauges and hand tools.
81
 
Core
Load workpieces, plastic material, or chemical solutions into machines.
74
 
Core
Turn controls to set cutting speeds, feed rates, or table angles for specified operations.
71
 
Core
Clean work area.
88
 
Supplemental
Lubricate workpieces with oil.
87
 
Supplemental
Install, align, and lock specified punches, dies, cutting blades, or other fixtures in rams or beds of machines, using gauges, templates, feelers, shims, and hand tools.
84
 
Supplemental
Adjust ram strokes of presses to specified lengths, using hand tools.
82
 
Supplemental
Position, align, and secure workpieces against fixtures or stops on machine beds or on dies.
80
 
Supplemental
Set stops on machine beds, change dies, and adjust components, such as rams or power presses, when making multiple or successive passes.
78
 
Supplemental
Clean and lubricate machines.
76
 
Supplemental
Position guides, stops, holding blocks, or other fixtures to secure and direct workpieces, using hand tools and measuring devices.
74
 
Supplemental
Place workpieces on cutting tables, manually or using hoists, cranes, or sledges.
73
 
Supplemental
Replace defective blades or wheels, using hand tools.
73
 
Supplemental
Plan sequences of operations, applying knowledge of physical properties of workpiece materials.
71
 
Supplemental
Mark identifying data on workpieces.
71
 
Supplemental
Turn valves to start flow of coolant against cutting areas or to start airflow that blows cuttings away from kerfs.
71
 
Supplemental
Hone cutters with oilstones to remove nicks.
68
 
Supplemental
Remove housings, feed tubes, tool holders, or other accessories to replace worn or broken parts, such as springs or bushings.
67
 
Supplemental
Sharpen dulled blades, using bench grinders, abrasive wheels, or lathes.
64
 
Supplemental
Operate forklifts to deliver materials.
64
 
Supplemental
Select, clean, and install spacers, rubber sleeves, or cutters on arbors.
64
 
Supplemental
Scribe reference lines on workpieces as guides for cutting operations, according to blueprints, templates, sample parts, or specifications.
61
 
Supplemental
Grind out burrs or sharp edges, using portable grinders, speed lathes, or polishing jacks.
60
 
Supplemental
Set blade tensions, heights, and angles to perform prescribed cuts, using wrenches.
59
 
Supplemental
Use equipment designed to join sheet metal, such as spot welders.
55
 
Supplemental
Preheat workpieces, using heating furnaces or hand torches.
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Technology Skills Save Table: XLSX CSV

Hot technology
Hot Technologies are requirements most frequently included across all employer job postings.

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceWork Activity
71
 
Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
71
 
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
71
 
Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
70
 
Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
66
 
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
64
 
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
63
 
Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
62
 
Performing General Physical Activities — Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
59
 
Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
58
 
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
58
 
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
57
 
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
50
 
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
50
 
Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
47
 
Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
46
 
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
44
 
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
44
 
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
43
 
Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
41
 
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
38
 
Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
35
 
Working with Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
34
 
Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
33
 
Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
29
 
Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
29
 
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
27
 
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
25
 
Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
25
 
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
25
 
Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
24
 
Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
23
 
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
23
 
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
23
 
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
22
 
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
20
 
Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
19
 
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
19
 
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
17
 
Communicating with People Outside the Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
15
 
Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
11
 
Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Detailed Work Activities Save Table: XLSX CSV

Find occupations related to multiple detailed work activities

Work Context Save Table: XLSX CSV

  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?
    • 97%
      97%
       
      Every day
  • Exposed to Contaminants — How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
  • Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment — How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable — How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
    • 90%
      90%
       
      Every day
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
  • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment — How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?
  • Time Pressure — How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
    • 42%
      42%
       
      Once a week or more but not every day
    • 22%
      22%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?
    • 35%
      35%
       
      Extremely important
    • 44%
      44%
       
      Very important
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams — How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?
    • 60%
      60%
       
      Every day
    • 21%
      21%
       
      Once a week or more but not every day
  • Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings — How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?
    • 57%
      57%
       
      Every day
    • 20%
      20%
       
      Once a week or more but not every day
  • Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled — How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?
    • 20%
      20%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
    • 21%
      21%
       
      Never
  • Spend Time Standing — How much does this job require standing?
    • 15%
      15%
       
      Continually or almost continually
  • Consequence of Error — How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?
    • 55%
      55%
       
      Extremely serious
    • 20%
      20%
       
      Serious
  • Duration of Typical Work Week — Number of hours typically worked in one week.
  • Physical Proximity — To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?
    • 22%
      22%
       
      Very close (near touching)
    • 44%
      44%
       
      Slightly close (e.g., shared office)
  • Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body — How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?
    • 24%
      24%
       
      Continually or almost continually
    • 42%
      42%
       
      About half the time
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team — How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?
    • 42%
      42%
       
      Very important
    • 20%
      20%
       
      Not important at all
  • Contact With Others — How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
    • 41%
      41%
       
      Contact with others most of the time
    • 23%
      23%
       
      Occasional contact with others
  • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures — How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?
    • 23%
      23%
       
      Once a year or more but not every month
    • 21%
      21%
       
      Never
  • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions — How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?
    • 39%
      39%
       
      Every day
    • 21%
      21%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
  • Conflict Situations — How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?
    • 22%
      22%
       
      Once a week or more but not every day
    • 63%
      63%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
  • Frequency of Decision Making — How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
  • Spend Time Walking or Running — How much does this job require walking or running?
    • 32%
      32%
       
      Continually or almost continually
    • 63%
      63%
       
      Less than half the time
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
    • 21%
      21%
       
      Moderate results
    • 21%
      21%
       
      Minor results
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals — How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?
    • 42%
      42%
       
      Some freedom
    • 21%
      21%
       
      No freedom
  • Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People — How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?
    • 43%
      43%
       
      Once a week or more but not every day
    • 21%
      21%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers — How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?
  • Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions — How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?
    • 24%
      24%
       
      Every day
    • 55%
      55%
       
      Never
  • Spend Time Sitting — How much does this job require sitting?
  • Degree of Automation — How automated is the job?
    • 24%
      24%
       
      Moderately automated
    • 64%
      64%
       
      Slightly automated
  • Outdoors, Under Cover — How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?
    • 23%
      23%
       
      Once a year or more but not every month
    • 46%
      46%
       
      Never
  • Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions — How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?
    • 22%
      22%
       
      Once a week or more but not every day
    • 20%
      20%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
    • 11%
      11%
       
      A lot of freedom
    • 41%
      41%
       
      Limited freedom
    • 41%
      41%
       
      No freedom
  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities — How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?
    • 21%
      21%
       
      Very important
    • 50%
      50%
       
      Not important at all
  • Level of Competition — To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
    • 40%
      40%
       
      Moderately competitive
    • 29%
      29%
       
      Not at all competitive
  • Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling — How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?
    • 21%
      21%
       
      More than half the time
    • 33%
      33%
       
      Less than half the time
  • Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People — How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General — How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?
    • 21%
      21%
       
      Very important
    • 76%
      76%
       
      Not important at all
  • Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers — How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
    • 24%
      24%
       
      Moderate responsibility
    • 69%
      69%
       
      No responsibility
  • Exposed to Radiation — How often does this job require exposure to radiation?
    • 20%
      20%
       
      Once a year or more but not every month
    • 73%
      73%
       
      Never
  • In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment — How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?
    • 21%
      21%
       
      Once a year or more but not every month
    • 73%
      73%
       
      Never
  • Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance — How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?
    • 20%
      20%
       
      About half the time
    • 75%
      75%
       
      Never
  • Work Schedules — How regular are the work schedules for this job?
    • 23%
      23%
       
      Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)
    • 77%
      77%
       
      Regular (established routine, set schedule)
  • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions — How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?
    • 22%
      22%
       
      Once a year or more but not every month
    • 72%
      72%
       
      Never
  • Exposed to Disease or Infections — How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?
    • 21%
      21%
       
      Once a year or more but not every month
    • 78%
      78%
       
      Never
  • Exposed to High Places — How often does this job require exposure to high places?
    • 23%
      23%
       
      Once a year or more but not every month
    • 77%
      77%
       
      Never
  • Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles — How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?
    • 23%
      23%
       
      Less than half the time
    • 77%
      77%
       
      Never
  • Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection — How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?
  • Telephone Conversations — How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
    • 93%
      93%
       
      Never
  • Public Speaking — How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?
    • 94%
      94%
       
      Never
  • E-Mail — How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?
    • 97%
      97%
       
      Never
  • Written Letters and Memos — How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?
    • 96%
      96%
       
      Never
  • Exposed to Whole Body Vibration — How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?
    • 97%
      97%
       
      Never
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment — How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?
    • 99%
      99%
       
      Never

Experience Requirements

Job Zone Save Table: XLSX CSV

Title
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Related Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Job Zone Examples
These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, tellers, and dental laboratory technicians.
SVP Range
(4.0 to < 6.0)

Training & Credentials

State training
Local training
Certifications
Find certifications nationwide

Apprenticeship Opportunities

Example apprenticeship titles for this occupation:

  • Press Operator Heavy Duty
  • Spring Coiling Machine Set

Specific title(s) listed above are vetted by industry and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor for use in a Registered Apprenticeship Program.

Start your career and build your skillset. Visit Apprenticeship.gov to learn about opportunities related to this occupation.

Worker Requirements

Skills Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceSkill
63
 
Operations Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
60
 
Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
50
 
Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
50
 
Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
50
 
Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
50
 
Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
50
 
Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
50
 
Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
47
 
Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
44
 
Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
44
 
Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
44
 
Equipment Maintenance — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
44
 
Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
44
 
Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
41
 
Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
41
 
Repairing — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
41
 
Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
38
 
Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
25
 
Equipment Selection — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
25
 
Instructing — Teaching others how to do something.
25
 
Learning Strategies — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
25
 
Management of Personnel Resources — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
25
 
Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.
25
 
Persuasion — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
25
 
Systems Evaluation — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
22
 
Negotiation — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
22
 
Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.
22
 
Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
19
 
Operations Analysis — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
19
 
Technology Design — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
13
 
Science — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
10
 
Management of Financial Resources — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
10
 
Management of Material Resources — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
6
 
Installation — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
0
 
Programming — Writing computer programs for various purposes.

Knowledge Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceKnowledge
56
 
Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
49
 
English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
49
 
Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
35
 
Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
35
 
Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
31
 
Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
29
 
Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
25
 
Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
21
 
Transportation — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
19
 
Chemistry — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
19
 
Public Safety and Security — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
17
 
Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
17
 
Physics — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
16
 
Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
14
 
Economics and Accounting — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
13
 
Administrative — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
13
 
Building and Construction — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
12
 
Personnel and Human Resources — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
11
 
Sales and Marketing — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
10
 
Food Production — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
6
 
Psychology — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
5
 
Biology — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
4
 
Law and Government — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
1
 
Communications and Media — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
1
 
Foreign Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
1
 
Medicine and Dentistry — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
1
 
Telecommunications — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
0
 
Fine Arts — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
0
 
Geography — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
0
 
History and Archeology — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
0
 
Philosophy and Theology — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
0
 
Sociology and Anthropology — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
0
 
Therapy and Counseling — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:

  • 63%
     
    High school diploma or equivalent required
  • 35%
     
    Post-secondary certificate required
  • 1%
     
    Less than high school diploma required

Worker Characteristics

Abilities Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceAbility
69
 
Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
69
 
Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
69
 
Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
56
 
Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
56
 
Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
56
 
Reaction Time — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
53
 
Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
50
 
Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
50
 
Depth Perception — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
50
 
Far Vision — The ability to see details at a distance.
50
 
Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
50
 
Flexibility of Closure — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
50
 
Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
50
 
Multilimb Coordination — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
50
 
Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
50
 
Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
50
 
Perceptual Speed — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
50
 
Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
50
 
Rate Control — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
50
 
Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
50
 
Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
50
 
Static Strength — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
50
 
Trunk Strength — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
50
 
Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
50
 
Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
44
 
Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
44
 
Extent Flexibility — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
44
 
Response Orientation — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
41
 
Auditory Attention — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
41
 
Stamina — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
38
 
Visual Color Discrimination — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
35
 
Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
31
 
Dynamic Strength — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
31
 
Time Sharing — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
28
 
Hearing Sensitivity — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
25
 
Fluency of Ideas — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
25
 
Gross Body Coordination — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
25
 
Mathematical Reasoning — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
25
 
Memorization — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
25
 
Number Facility — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
25
 
Originality — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
25
 
Peripheral Vision — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
25
 
Sound Localization — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
25
 
Spatial Orientation — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
25
 
Speed of Closure — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
25
 
Wrist-Finger Speed — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
22
 
Explosive Strength — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
22
 
Glare Sensitivity — The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
22
 
Gross Body Equilibrium — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
22
 
Speed of Limb Movement — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
16
 
Night Vision — The ability to see under low-light conditions.
0
 
Dynamic Flexibility — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

Interests Save Table: XLSX CSV

Occupational InterestInterest
98
 
Realistic — Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
48
 
Conventional — Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
19
 
Investigative — Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
5
 
Artistic — Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
0
 
Enterprising — Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
0
 
Social — Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Work Styles Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImpactWork Style
81
 
Attention to Detail — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
75
 
Dependability — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
65
 
Cautiousness — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
32
 
Stress Tolerance — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
24
 
Integrity — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
24
 
Perseverance — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
24
 
Self-Control — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
23
 
Achievement Orientation — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
14
 
Self-Confidence — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
9
 
Cooperation — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
5
 
Adaptability — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
2
 
Sincerity — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
1
 
Initiative — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

Workforce Characteristics

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2024)
$21.92 hourly, $45,590 annual
State wages
Local wages
Employment (2024)
174,700 employees
Projected growth (2024-2034)
Decline (-1% or lower)
Projected job openings (2024-2034)
14,400
State trends
Top industries (2024)
Manufacturing (89% employed in this sector)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024 wage data and 2024-2034 employment projections . “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2024-2034). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

Job Openings on the Web

State job openings
Local job openings

More Information

Related Occupations Save Table: XLSX CSV

Supplemental related occupations

Professional Associations

Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

National Associations
Accreditation, Certification, & Unions