How much does a metal mill operator make?
a year · about $25 an hour
A typical metal mill operator in the United States makes $52,800 a year, about $25 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They read a work order, secure a metal or plastic piece, and set the cutter and machine controls. They watch the mill cut, then use gauges or calipers to check the part and record the results.
Did you know? A worn cutter can make parts come out flawed, so operators replace it with a new tool made by a tool-and-die maker.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $37,840 and $81,030How do you become one?
U.S. workers usually finish high school or earn a GED; math and computer classes help. They can start as trainees or apprentices, learn on the job, and build skills in measuring, tool changes, setup, and CNC; certificates may help advancement.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., experience and skills such as setting up CNC machines or handling complex jobs can raise pay; useful certificates may help workers advance. Pay also differs by employer industry and location, while evening or weekend shifts and overtime can change total earnings.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Kentucky ($66,440), lowest in Tennessee ($43,710).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $37,840 | $52,800 | $81,030 | about 12,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $66,440 | about 540 |
| Illinois | $63,360 | about 570 |
| California | $59,050 | about 2,000 |
| Indiana | $57,720 | about 590 |
| New York | $56,560 | about 550 |
Official definition: Set up, operate, or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic work pieces.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/OOH/production/metal-and-plastic-machine-workers.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/51-4035.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes514035.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/ooh/production/machinists-and-tool-and-die-makers.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY