How to become a metalworking machine setter-operator

Official title: Metalworking machine setter-operator

Also called: Auto-lathe setter-operator, Automatic transfer machine operator (metalworking), Boring machine operator (metalworking), Boring machine setter-operator (metalworking), Cylinder honer, Die sinking machine operator (metalworking), Die sinking machine setter-operator (metalworking), Drilling machine operator (metalworking), Drilling machine setter-operator (metalworking), Engine setter-operator (metalworking), Engine-lathe operator (metalworking), Gear cutting machine operator (metalworking)

Metalworking machine setter-operator sets up and operates a variety of power-driven precision metal-cutting machines and tools, such as lathes, milling, planing and boring machines.

Main tasks

• Setting one or more types of machine tools for production of metal articles in standardised series
• Operating and monitoring metalworking machines, such as lathes, milling, planning, boring, drilling, grinding or honing machines, including multi-purpose numerically controlled metalworking machines
• Observing machine operations to detect work piece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary
• Inspecting work pieces for defects, and measuring work pieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments
• Changing worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools and brushes, using hand tools

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Median pay: $33,708 a year. The middle half earn $26,136 to $48,540 a year.
• Generative AI can do relatively little of this work, by the ILO's global estimate.

Related jobs

• Precision grinding machine setter-operator
• Metal melter/caster/rolling mill operator
• Metal heat treating plant operator
• Metal drawer/extruder
• Metal finishing/plating/coating machine operator

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Questions people ask

How much does a metalworking machine setter-operator earn in Singapore?

Median full-time pay is $33,708 a year (Ministry of Manpower (via data.gov.sg)). The middle half earn $26,136 to $48,540.

Will AI change the work of a metalworking machine setter-operator?

Generative AI can do relatively little of this work, by the ILO's global estimate.

Sources

• Ministry of Manpower (via data.gov.sg): Resident Occupational Wages (Occupational Wage Survey) (June 2024 (data.gov.sg update 2026-04-01)), Singapore Open Data Licence v1.0, retrieved 4 October 2026
• International Labour Organization, Generative AI and Jobs: A Refined Global Index of Occupational Exposure (ILO Working Paper 140, Gmyrek et al.) (ILO Working Paper 140, May 2025, Annex Table A1), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 4 October 2026

Updated 4 October 2026