Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Set up, operate, or tend heating equipment, such as heat-treating furnaces, flame-hardening machines, induction machines, soaking pits, or vacuum equipment to temper, harden, anneal, or heat treat metal or plastic objects.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic to decrease by -9.5% between 2024 and 2034, from 14,400 to 13,000 jobs. Its estimate of 1,100 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($48,750), education (High school diploma or equivalent), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
14,400
Projected employment (2034)
13,000
Projected change (2024–2034)
-10%
Annual openings (projected average)
1,100
Pay & Preparation
$48,750
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Operation and Control (3.75/5) • Operations Monitoring (3.75/5) • Monitoring (3.12/5) • Speaking (3.12/5) • Active Listening (3.12/5) • Quality Control Analysis (3.12/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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