# Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

> Set up, operate, or tend machines to roll steel or plastic forming bends, beads, knurls, rolls, or plate, or to flatten, temper, or reduce gauge of material.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 51-4023.00
- **Summary:** Set up, operate, or tend machines to roll steel or plastic forming bends, beads, knurls, rolls, or plate, or to flatten, temper, or reduce gauge of material.

## Aliases

- Mill Operator
- Rolling Mill Operator
- Roughing Mill Operator
- Tube Mill Operator
- Breakdown Mill Operator
- Calender Operator
- Cold Mill Operator
- Machine Operator
- Temper Mill Operator
- Weld Mill Operator
- Bar Finish Operator
- Bar Roller

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monitor machine cycles and mill operation to detect jamming and to ensure that products conform to specifications. | Core | 4.A.1.a.2.a |
| Adjust and correct machine set-ups to reduce thicknesses, reshape products, and eliminate product defects. | Core | 4.A.3.a.3.f |
| Start operation of rolling and milling machines to flatten, temper, form, and reduce sheet metal sections and to produce steel strips. | Core | 4.A.3.a.3.f |
| Examine, inspect, and measure raw materials and finished products to verify conformance to specifications. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.f |
| Read rolling orders, blueprints, and mill schedules to determine setup specifications, work sequences, product dimensions, and installation procedures. | Core | 4.A.1.a.1.b |
| Thread or feed sheets or rods through rolling mechanisms, or start and control mechanisms that automatically feed steel into rollers. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Manipulate controls and observe dial indicators to monitor, adjust, and regulate speeds of machine mechanisms. | Core | 4.A.1.a.2.a |
| Set distance points between rolls, guides, meters, and stops, according to specifications. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.at |
| Calculate draft space and roll speed for each mill stand to plan rolling sequences and specified dimensions and tempers. | Core | 4.A.2.b.1.h |
| Install equipment such as guides, guards, gears, cooling equipment, and rolls, using hand tools. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.at |
| Select rolls, dies, roll stands, and chucks from data charts to form specified contours and to fabricate products. | Supplemental | 4.A.2.b.1.j |
| Position, align, and secure arbors, spindles, coils, mandrels, dies, and slitting knives. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.f |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Operate metal or plastic forming equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.f |
| Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions. | 4.A.1.a.2.a |
| Inspect metal, plastic, or composite products. | 4.A.1.b.2.f |
| Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications. | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements. | 4.A.1.a.1.b |
| Study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements. | 4.A.1.a.1.b |
| Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences. | 4.A.1.a.1.b |
| Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning. | 4.A.1.a.2.a |
| Set equipment guides, stops, spacers, or other fixtures. | 4.A.3.a.2.at |
| Feed materials or products into or through equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Instruct workers to use equipment or perform technical procedures. | 4.A.4.b.3.e |
| Direct operational or production activities. | 4.A.4.b.4.j |
| Monitor instruments to ensure proper production conditions. | 4.A.1.a.2.a |
| Adjust equipment controls to regulate coolant flow. | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Record operational or production data. | 4.A.3.b.6.h |
| Install mechanical components in production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.at |
| Signal others to coordinate work activities. | 4.A.4.b.1.b |
| Calculate specific material, equipment, or labor requirements for production. | 4.A.2.b.1.h |
| Select production equipment according to product specifications. | 4.A.2.b.1.j |
| Reshape metal workpieces to established specifications. | 4.A.3.a.2.g |
| Operate grinding equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.l |
| Operate cutting equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.l |
| Polish materials, workpieces, or finished products. | 4.A.3.a.2.o |
| Sort materials or products for processing, storing, shipping, or grading. | 4.A.2.a.2.b |
| Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair. | 4.A.3.a.2.s |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 4 |
| Operation and Control | transferable_skill | 4 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 4 |
| Control Precision | ability | 3.88 |
| Reaction Time | ability | 3.88 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.88 |
| Mechanical | knowledge | 3.87 |
| Rate Control | ability | 3.75 |
| Quality Control Analysis | transferable_skill | 3.62 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3.62 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 3.62 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3.5 |
| Production and Processing | knowledge | 3.5 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 3.5 |
| English Language | knowledge | 3.4 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 3.25 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3.25 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3.25 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3.25 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 3.25 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 3.25 |
| Response Orientation | ability | 3.25 |
| Static Strength | ability | 3.25 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3.12 |
| Written Comprehension | ability | 3.12 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 3.12 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 3.12 |
| Trunk Strength | ability | 3.12 |
| Far Vision | ability | 3.12 |
| Auditory Attention | ability | 3.12 |
| Speech Recognition | ability | 3.12 |
| Speech Clarity | ability | 3.12 |
| Education and Training | knowledge | 3.11 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 3 |
| Active Learning | essential_skill | 3 |
| Coordination | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Complex Problem Solving | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Equipment Maintenance | transferable_skill | 3 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Email Software | Specialized Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Email software | Electronic mail software | no | no |
| Web browser software | Internet browser software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 5 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 4.7 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.55 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 4.39 |
| Contact With Others | 4.37 |
| Time Pressure | 4.36 |
| Spend Time Standing | 4.31 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 4.24 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 4.15 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 4.12 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 4.11 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 4.04 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 4.03 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 4.01 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 3.96 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 3.85 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 3.78 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 3.76 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 3.75 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 3.7 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 3.67 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 3.63 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 3.6 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 3.55 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 3.42 |
| Physical Proximity | 3.34 |
| Consequence of Error | 3.24 |
| Deal With External Customers or the Public in General | 3.18 |
| Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | 3.15 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 2.96 |
| Level of Competition | 2.89 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | 2.84 |
| Written Letters and Memos | 2.75 |
| Degree of Automation | 2.68 |
| Telephone Conversations | 2.53 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 2.45 |
| Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | 2.31 |
| In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment | 2.29 |
| Conflict Situations | 2.24 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 2.16 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 2
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- **Experience:** Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- **Svp Range:** (Below 6.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| High School Diploma | 74.21 |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 12.57 |
| Some College Courses | 9.86 |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 3.36 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 6.76 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 4.04 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 3.96 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 3.84 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 2.98 |
| Dependability | work_style | 2.39 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 2.34 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 2.25 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 1.96 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 1.67 |
| Mathematics/Statistics | specific_interest_area | 1.67 |
| Management/Administration | specific_interest_area | 1.41 |
| Teaching/Education | specific_interest_area | 1.31 |
| Accounting | specific_interest_area | 1.27 |
| Construction/Woodwork | specific_interest_area | 1.25 |
| Physical Science | specific_interest_area | 1.24 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 51-9032.00 | role-51-9032-00 | Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Primary-Short |
| 51-4031.00 | role-51-4031-00 | Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Short |
| 51-4033.00 | role-51-4033-00 | Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Short |
| 51-4035.00 | role-51-4035-00 | Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Short |
| 51-7042.00 | role-51-7042-00 | Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing | Primary-Short |
| 51-9022.00 | role-51-9022-00 | Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand | Primary-Long |
| 51-4081.00 | role-51-4081-00 | Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Long |
| 51-4034.00 | role-51-4034-00 | Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Long |
| 51-4194.00 | role-51-4194-00 | Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners | Primary-Long |
| 53-7063.00 | role-53-7063-00 | Machine Feeders and Offbearers | Primary-Long |
| 51-9041.00 | role-51-9041-00 | Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Supplemental |
| 51-9191.00 | role-51-9191-00 | Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Advanced Manufacturing | advanced-manufacturing |

## Education Level

- **Category:** High school diploma or equivalent

## Study Programs

| Title | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Precision Production | precision-production |

## Market

- **Median Wage:** 48630
- **Mean Wage:** 50940
- **Pct10Wage:** 37090
- **Pct25Wage:** 41600
- **Pct75Wage:** 57730
- **Pct90Wage:** 67500
- **Employment:** 22350
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 20930 | 48670 | 11.31 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 880 | 49960 | 1.01 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 200 | 39240 | 0.15 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 200 | 39240 | 0.52 |
| 21 | 21 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | Sector | 110 | 48390 | 1.32 |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 70 | 46910 |  |
| 332710 | 332710 | Machine Shops | National industry | 60 | 51660 |  |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 20930 | 11.31 |
| 21 | 21 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | Sector | 110 | 1.32 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 880 | 1.01 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 200 | 0.52 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 200 | 0.15 |
- **Count:** 7

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.83 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -1.08921 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | -0.901472 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -1.186053 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 25
- **Percentile:** 22
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 15 | felten_aioe |
| 28 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 32 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -1.08921 | 15 | Low | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.23529411764705882 | 28 | Low | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.10775236438751681 | 32 | Low | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Frey Historical

- **Source:** frey
- **Label:** Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)
- **Value:** 0.83
- **Percentile:** 68
- **Band:** High
- **Note:** A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
- **Teleworkable:** no

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0.11764705882352941
- **Beta:** 0.1764705882352941
- **Gamma:** 0.23529411764705882

### Usage Tasks


### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** -8.3
- **Growth Percentile:** 7
- **Direction:** Declining
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 1.9
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 26
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 22.5
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 20.6

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| frey_osborne | frey-osborne-automation |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 19
- **Skills:** 32
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 2
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** 47e53c3ac0aeabc9