Machine Tool Setter

Your Fit

Income

$52K

Preparation

Some

Growth

0.6%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Machine Tool Setter?

Machine Tool Setters are specialized technicians responsible for setting up, adjusting, and calibrating machines used in manufacturing various metal products. They ensure that machines operate efficiently and accurately, producing parts that meet strict specifications.

Sample job titles:

Cell Technician, CNC Machine Setter (Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Setter), Machine Operator, Machine Technician

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Machine Tool Setter.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Machine Tool Setter earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Machine Tool Setter.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$37K per year	$46K per year	$52K per year	$62K per year	$72K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $12K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Machine Tool Setter do?

Work environment

Machine Tool Setters typically work in manufacturing plants, machine shops, or fabrication facilities. The environment is technical and often noisy, involving interaction with heavy machinery, and requires adherence to safety protocols to avoid accidents.

Quick task list

Sets up and adjusts machine tools and equipment.
Reads and interprets blueprints and technical drawings.
Inspects and measures finished products to ensure they meet specifications.
Performs routine maintenance on machines.
Collaborates with machinists and supervisors to optimize production processes.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

CNC Machine Setting: Specializing in setting up and programming Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines for automated production.
Manual Machine Setting: Focusing on setting up traditional, manually-operated machine tools.
Quality Assurance and Inspection: Concentrating on ensuring that production meets quality standards and specifications.

Description

The role of a Machine Tool Setter is crucial in the manufacturing process, requiring both technical knowledge and practical skills. Setters must understand the mechanics of various machines, such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders, and how to adjust them for different production tasks. They are responsible for configuring machines to produce parts to exact dimensions, which involves a deep understanding of blueprints, mathematics, and material properties.

Attention to detail is paramount, as the precision of machine settings directly impacts the quality and accuracy of manufactured products. Setters must be able to use measuring instruments like calipers and micrometers and have a keen eye for identifying potential issues or deviations in production. They often work closely with machinists and engineers, contributing insights that can improve manufacturing efficiency and product quality.

Machine Tool Setters also play a significant role in maintaining the machines. This involves regular checks and routine maintenance to ensure the machines are in good working condition, reducing downtime and prolonging the life of the equipment. They must be familiar with safety standards and practices to ensure a safe working environment.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The technical challenge and hands-on nature of the work.
Playing a key role in the manufacturing process and contributing to the production of quality products.
Continuous learning opportunities through exposure to new technologies and manufacturing methods.

You might make a good Machine Tool Setter if you are...

Technically inclined with a strong interest in machinery and manufacturing processes.
Detail-oriented, with a knack for precision and accuracy.
Good at problem-solving and comfortable with interpreting technical diagrams and blueprints.
Able to work both independently and as part of a team in a dynamic environment.

Pros:

Essential role in the manufacturing industry, ensuring machines operate correctly and efficiently.
Opportunity to work with a variety of machinery and technology, offering diverse experiences.
Potential for career advancement into supervisory or specialized technical roles.
Engaging work for those interested in mechanics and industrial processes.

Cons:

The job can be physically demanding, often requiring long periods of standing and working with heavy machinery.
Exposure to potential hazards associated with machinery, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols.
The work environment can be noisy and requires focus and attention to detail.
May involve repetitive tasks and require precision in settings and measurements.

How to become a Machine Tool Setter

Typical education

A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, with most skills learned through on-the-job training or technical programs. Some setters may pursue additional education in manufacturing technology or a related field.

High school preparation

Courses:

Shop or vocational classes focusing on machinery and metalworking.
Mathematics, particularly algebra and geometry, for understanding machine operation and technical drawings.
Physics to understand the principles of mechanics and material properties.
Computer science classes for familiarity with computer-operated machinery and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) technology.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participation in a robotics club or automotive club to gain practical experience with machines.
Internships or part-time work in manufacturing plants or machine shops.
Science and engineering fairs to develop technical and problem-solving skills.

Preparation after high school

Vocational training or technical school programs specializing in machine operation, CNC technology, or industrial mechanics.
Apprenticeships in manufacturing or machine operation to gain hands-on experience.
Certification programs in specific types of machinery or technology used in manufacturing.
On-the-job training programs to learn specific machinery and production processes.

More resources

National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) - Offers certifications and training for metalworking and machine operation skills.
Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) - Provides education and networking opportunities for metalforming professionals.
Manufacturing Institute - Offers educational programs and resources for careers in manufacturing.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Provides guidelines and resources for safety in industrial workplaces.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.