Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
O*NET 51-4193.00 · SOC 51-4193
Plating Machine Setter is a risky career choice. Median pay is $44k a year with -9.7% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 2,500 openings a year. AI exposure: High.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Hang metal parts on racks for electroplating baths
- →Mix and maintain chemical plating solutions at correct concentrations
- →Set electrical current levels for chrome or nickel plating
- →Inspect plated parts for uneven coating or surface defects
- →Clean and degrease metal parts before placing in plating tanks
Education & How to Get In
Plating Machine Setter roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths — you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
Get Started Learning
Ready to start building skills for a career as a Plating Machine Setter? These platforms offer courses you can start today — many with free trials or financial aid.
Links open in a new tab. Some may include affiliate partnerships.
Work Environment
Hands-on — labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed — alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Plating Machine Setter involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Plating Machine Setter?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering — personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Plating Machine Setter Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
Explore More Careers
Job Outlook
Employment of Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic is projected to decline 9.7% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·40% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target
- ·48% physical tasks — limited by robotics progress
- ·Declining employment suggests structural disruption
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Plating Machine Setter make?
The median Plating Machine Setter earns $44k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Plating Machine Setter jobs?
Our model puts Plating Machine Setter at 65 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is high disruption risk. The main drivers: 40% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target; 48% physical tasks — limited by robotics progress.
Is Plating Machine Setter a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 9.7% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 2,500 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Plating Machine Setter?
Most Plating Machine Setter roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become a Plating Machine Setter?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Plating Machine Setter career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
Take the assessment →Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes