Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Plating machine setters, operators, and tenders coat metal and plastic products with protective or decorative metal layers such as chromium, zinc, nickel, or copper. They work in manufacturing facilities, typically immersing products in molten metal or electrolytic solutions and monitoring the coating process to ensure quality and proper thickness.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against plating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Workers prepare plating tanks with appropriate solutions or molten metal, position products to be coated, and operate plating equipment. They monitor temperature, timing, and chemical composition throughout the process, inspect finished parts for defects, and make adjustments to machine settings. Tasks also include maintaining equipment, cleaning tanks, and documenting production records.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to prefer structured, rule-based work with clear procedures and measurable outcomes. You're detail-oriented and reliable, comfortable following established processes in manufacturing settings, and you have a practical approach to solving problems that arise during production.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $45,930 | $70,910 | $70,910 | 440 |
| Washington | $49,360 | $58,000 | $64,410 | 410 |
| Mississippi | $48,610 | $52,090 | $52,090 | 60 |
| Arkansas | $39,420 | $51,140 | $65,060 | 230 |
| Oklahoma | $38,830 | $49,330 | $65,640 | 180 |
| Oregon | $45,790 | $48,050 | $50,810 | 310 |
| Nebraska | $38,520 | $48,010 | $61,880 | 400 |
| Colorado | $45,490 | $47,930 | $57,630 | 190 |
| Arizona | $38,230 | $47,110 | $49,140 | 640 |
| Utah | $41,870 | $46,940 | $63,200 | 180 |
| Ohio | $41,050 | $46,790 | $51,860 | 1,810 |
| California | $39,390 | $46,760 | $51,180 | 5,600 |
All 40 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Coating Inspector Program - Level 1 (CIP) — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance
- Coating Inspector Program - Level 3 Peer Review — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance
- Coating Inspector Program Level 2 - Bridge Specialty — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance
- Protective Coating Technician (PCS) — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance
- Protective Coatings Specialist - Industrial and Marine Structures (PCS) — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance
- Coating Inspector Program Level 2 — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against plating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-4193.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.