Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
Set up, operate, or tend plating machines to coat metal or plastic products with chromium, zinc, copper, cadmium, nickel, or other metal to protect or decorate surfaces. Typically, the product being coated is immersed in molten metal or an electrolytic solution.
Median pay: $43,960/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: -13.6% projected growth, 2024–2034 — declining.
About 2,500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Immerse workpieces in coating solutions or liquid metal or plastic for specified times.
• Adjust dials to regulate flow of current and voltage supplied to terminals to control plating processes.
• Inspect coated or plated areas for defects, such as air bubbles or uneven coverage.
• Set up, operate, or tend plating or coating machines to coat metal or plastic products with chromium, zinc, copper, cadmium, nickel, or other metal to protect or decorate surfaces.
• Observe gauges to ensure that machines are operating properly, making adjustments or stopping machines when problems occur.
• Remove objects from solutions at periodic intervals and observe objects to verify conformance to specifications.
• Maintain production records.
• Remove excess materials or impurities from objects, using air hoses or grinding machines.
What's the median pay for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
The median pay for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic is $43,960 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Employment for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic is projected to change -13.6% from 2024 to 2034 - declining.
What education is typically required for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
About 2,500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.