Machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic

Job Zone

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Measure completed workpieces to verify conformance to specifications, using micrometers, gauges, calipers, templates, or rulers.92
Examine completed workpieces for defects, such as chipped edges or marred surfaces and sort defective pieces according to types of flaws.89
Lubricate workpieces with oil.88
Read work orders or production schedules to determine specifications, such as materials to be used, locations of cutting lines, or dimensions and tolerances.87
Start machines, monitor their operations, and record operational data.87
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.87
Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.85
Adjust ram strokes of presses to specified lengths, using hand tools.84
Position, align, and secure workpieces against fixtures or stops on machine beds or on dies.82
Test and adjust machine speeds or actions, according to product specifications, using gauges and hand tools.81
Load workpieces, plastic material, or chemical solutions into machines.81
Set stops on machine beds, change dies, and adjust components, such as rams or power presses, when making multiple or successive passes.80

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Clean and lubricate machines.78
Position guides, stops, holding blocks, or other fixtures to secure and direct workpieces, using hand tools and measuring devices.76
Turn controls to set cutting speeds, feed rates, or table angles for specified operations.74
Place workpieces on cutting tables, manually or using hoists, cranes, or sledges.74
Replace defective blades or wheels, using hand tools.73
Plan sequences of operations, applying knowledge of physical properties of workpiece materials.73
Clean work area.71
Mark identifying data on workpieces.71
Turn valves to start flow of coolant against cutting areas or to start airflow that blows cuttings away from kerfs.71
Hone cutters with oilstones to remove nicks.71
Remove housings, feed tubes, tool holders, or other accessories to replace worn or broken parts, such as springs or bushings.68
Sharpen dulled blades, using bench grinders, abrasive wheels, or lathes.67
Operate forklifts to deliver materials.64
Select, clean, and install spacers, rubber sleeves, or cutters on arbors.64
Scribe reference lines on workpieces as guides for cutting operations, according to blueprints, templates, sample parts, or specifications.64
Grind out burrs or sharp edges, using portable grinders, speed lathes, or polishing jacks.61
Set blade tensions, heights, and angles to perform prescribed cuts, using wrenches.60
Use equipment designed to join sheet metal, such as spot welders.59
Preheat workpieces, using heating furnaces or hand torches.55

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Operations Monitoring63
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control60
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Active Listening50
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.
Critical Thinking50
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Monitoring50
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Quality Control Analysis50
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Speaking50
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Troubleshooting50
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Judgment and Decision Making47
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Active Learning44
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Coordination44
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Equipment Maintenance44
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

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Reading Comprehension44
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Time Management44
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Complex Problem Solving41
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Repairing41
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Social Perceptiveness41
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Writing38
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Equipment Selection25
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Instructing25
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies25
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Management of Personnel Resources25
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Mathematics25
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Persuasion25
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Systems Evaluation25
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Negotiation22
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Service Orientation22
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Systems Analysis22
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Operations Analysis19
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Technology Design19
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Science13
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Management of Financial Resources10
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources10
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Installation6
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Programming0
Writing computer programs for various purposes.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Production and Processing56
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
English Language49
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Mechanical49
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Engineering and Technology35
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.
Mathematics35
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Education and Training31
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Design29
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Computers and Electronics25
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Transportation21
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Chemistry19
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.
Public Safety and Security19
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.
Customer and Personal Service17
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.

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Physics17
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.
Administration and Management16
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.
Economics and Accounting14
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Administrative13
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Building and Construction13
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Personnel and Human Resources12
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Sales and Marketing11
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.
Food Production10
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Psychology6
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.
Biology5
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Law and Government4
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Communications and Media1
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Foreign Language1
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.
Medicine and Dentistry1
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.
Telecommunications1
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Fine Arts0
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Geography0
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.
History and Archeology0
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Philosophy and Theology0
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.
Sociology and Anthropology0
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Therapy and Counseling0
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Arm-Hand Steadiness69
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision69
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Near Vision69
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Information Ordering56
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).
Manual Dexterity56
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Reaction Time56
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Selective Attention53
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Deductive Reasoning50
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Depth Perception50
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.
Far Vision50
The ability to see details at a distance.
Finger Dexterity50
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Flexibility of Closure50
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

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Inductive Reasoning50
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Multilimb Coordination50
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.
Oral Comprehension50
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression50
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Perceptual Speed50
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.
Problem Sensitivity50
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.
Rate Control50
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.
Speech Clarity50
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition50
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Static Strength50
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Trunk Strength50
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.
Visualization50
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Written Comprehension50
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Category Flexibility44
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Extent Flexibility44
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Response Orientation44
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.
Auditory Attention41
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Stamina41
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Visual Color Discrimination38
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Written Expression35
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Dynamic Strength31
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Time Sharing31
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Hearing Sensitivity28
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Fluency of Ideas25
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).
Gross Body Coordination25
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Mathematical Reasoning25
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Memorization25
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Number Facility25
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Originality25
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.
Peripheral Vision25
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Sound Localization25
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation25
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Speed of Closure25
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Wrist-Finger Speed25
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Explosive Strength22
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Glare Sensitivity22
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Equilibrium22
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Speed of Limb Movement22
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Night Vision16
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Handling and Moving Objects71
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events71
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems71
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Controlling Machines and Processes70
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials66
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings64
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Getting Information63
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Performing General Physical Activities62
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.
Documenting/Recording Information59
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates58
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment58
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People57
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards50
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Processing Information50
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Analyzing Data or Information47
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships46
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment44
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work44
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Thinking Creatively43
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge41
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Training and Teaching Others38
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Working with Computers35
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Assisting and Caring for Others34
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Coaching and Developing Others33
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Developing and Building Teams29
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others29
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information27
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Developing Objectives and Strategies25
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others25
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Scheduling Work and Activities25
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Performing Administrative Activities24
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates23
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment23
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.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others23
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others22
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources20
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment19
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.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public19
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization17
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.
Selling or Influencing Others15
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Staffing Organizational Units11
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail81
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability75
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cautiousness65
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Stress Tolerance32
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Integrity24
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Perseverance24
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Self-Control24
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Achievement Orientation23
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.
Self-Confidence14
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Cooperation9
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Adaptability5
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Sincerity2
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

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Initiative1
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Realistic98
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.
Conventional55
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.
Investigative20
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.
Artistic1
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.
Enterprising0
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.
Social0
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 Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day97%
Exposed to Contaminants
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day90%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
Time Pressure
- Once a week or more but not every day42%
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important35%
- Very important44%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day60%
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day57%
- Once a week or more but not every day20%

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Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a month or more but not every week20%
- Never21%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually15%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious55%
- Serious20%
Duration of Typical Work Week
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)22%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)44%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually24%
- About half the time42%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Very important42%
- Not important at all20%
Contact With Others
- Contact with others most of the time41%
- Occasional contact with others23%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a year or more but not every month23%
- Never21%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day39%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
- Once a month or more but not every week63%
Frequency of Decision Making
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually32%
- Less than half the time63%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Moderate results21%
- Minor results21%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- Some freedom42%
- No freedom21%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a week or more but not every day43%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day24%
- Never55%
Spend Time Sitting
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated24%
- Slightly automated64%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a year or more but not every month23%
- Never46%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
- Once a month or more but not every week20%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom11%
- Limited freedom41%
- No freedom41%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Very important21%
- Not important at all50%
Level of Competition
- Moderately competitive40%
- Not at all competitive29%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- More than half the time21%
- Less than half the time33%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Very important21%
- Not important at all76%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Moderate responsibility24%
- No responsibility69%
Exposed to Radiation
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never73%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never73%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- About half the time20%
- Never75%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)23%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)77%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month22%
- Never72%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never78%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a year or more but not every month23%
- Never77%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time23%
- Never77%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
Telephone Conversations
- Never93%
Public Speaking
- Never94%
E-Mail
- Never97%
Written Letters and Memos
- Never96%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never97%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Never99%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

High school diploma or equivalent
Post-secondary certificate
Less than high school diploma

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
SAP software
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
Striker Systems SS-Punch
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk AutoCAD
Data base user interface and query software
Operational databases
Inventory management software
Automated inventory software
Industrial control software
Computerized numerical control CNC software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
Inspect metal, plastic, or composite products.
Sort materials or products for processing, storing, shipping, or grading.
Apply lubricants or coolants to workpieces.
Operate cutting equipment.
Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
Monitor equipment operation to ensure that products are not flawed.
Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
Record operational or production data.
Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.
Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.

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Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly.
Inspect production equipment.
Load materials into production equipment.
Set equipment guides, stops, spacers, or other fixtures.
Clean production equipment.
Lubricate production equipment.
Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.
Plan production or operational procedures or sequences.
Replace worn equipment components.
Sharpen cutting or grinding tools.
Clean work areas.
Adjust equipment controls to regulate coolant flow.
Mark products, workpieces, or equipment with identifying information.
Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
Remove accessories, tools, or other parts from equipment.
Operate grinding equipment.
Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
Operate forklifts or other loaders.
Select production equipment according to product specifications.
Smooth metal surfaces or edges.
Braze metal parts or components.
Operate welding equipment.
Weld metal components.
Heat material or workpieces to prepare for or complete production.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Press Operator Heavy Duty
Press Setup Operator - Stamping
Spring Coiling Machine Set
Stamping Press Operator

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology