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Mill operator: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 29, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$50,140median pay per year, or $24.10 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $37,690lowest 10% earn less
  2. $44,02025th percentile
  3. $50,140median
  4. $61,88075th percentile
  5. $70,310top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[3]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[4]

Mill operators, which BLS counts as Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, had a median pay of $50,140 a year in May 2025[1]. Employment is projected to decline 8.3% from 2025 to 2035[2].

Job growth, 2025–35
-8.3%[2]
Openings per year
1,900[5]
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent[6]

How much do mill operators make?

The median pay for this occupation was $50,140 a year, or $24.10 an hour, in May 2025[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less[1]. The average was $53,220 a year, or $25.59 an hour[7]. For comparison, the median for all occupations was $50,980[4].

Pay varies a lot across the range. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $37,690, and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $70,310[3]. The middle half earned between $44,020 and $61,880[3]. BLS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary[8].

Measure Annual Hourly
10th percentile[3][9] $37,690 $18.12
25th percentile[3][9] $44,020 $21.16
Median[1] $50,140 $24.10
75th percentile[3][9] $61,880 $29.75
90th percentile[3][9] $70,310 $33.80

These figures cover wage and salary workers, full time and part time. They leave out the self-employed and do not include benefits or nonproduction bonuses[10].

Pay by state and city

Among the 39 states with published data, Iowa had the highest median at $72,670, followed by Pennsylvania at $66,970 and Vermont at $66,240[11]. Iowa had 660 jobs and Vermont had 40[11].

Pennsylvania also had the most jobs, 3,070, followed by Indiana with 2,750 and Alabama with 1,710[12]. Indiana's median was $45,430[11].

Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, Reading, PA had the highest median at $70,310, then Pittsburgh, PA at $69,150 and Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington at $61,090[13]. Chicago-Naperville-Elgin had the most jobs, 1,300, with a median of $49,850[14].

Show median pay in 39 states
StateMedian per yearJobs
Iowa[11]$72,670660
Pennsylvania$66,9703,070
Vermont$66,24040
Washington$63,560350
Maryland$61,470310
New York$60,890420
Minnesota$60,62050
Connecticut$60,610150
New Hampshire$60,57040
Colorado$57,500110
Illinois$54,180550
Alabama$53,3801,710
Wisconsin$51,370290
Kentucky$50,4001,120
Oregon$50,400140
Ohio$50,0301,310
Louisiana$49,920110
Texas$49,6601,680
Tennessee$48,5401,290
North Carolina$48,450510
Oklahoma$48,330290
South Carolina$48,210820
California$48,0401,150
Massachusetts$47,830480
Arizona$47,820110
Utah$47,54060
Missouri$47,390180
New Jersey$46,980250
Florida$46,810310
Virginia$46,450450
South Dakota$46,04070
Arkansas$45,890420
Nebraska$45,800230
Indiana$45,4302,750
Georgia$45,0501,070
Michigan$44,0901,480
North Dakota$43,480150
Kansas$40,260170
Mississippi$39,320230

How to become a mill operator

The typical path is short and does not need a college degree.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook text on training comes from a profile covering a wider group of metal and plastic machine workers[18]. In that group, the time to become an operator depends on how complex the equipment is. Some are trained on basic operations in a few months, and others need up to 1 year[19]. Training in CAD, CAM and CNC equipment may help[20]. In an O*NET survey of 29 workers, 74% said a high school diploma or equivalent is required, 13% said less than a high school diploma and 10% said some college courses[21]. Certification can show competence and help with advancement[22].

What mill operators do

These workers set up, run or tend machines that roll steel or plastic into bends, beads, knurls, rolls or plate, or that flatten, temper or thin the material[23]. Typical tasks include:

Workers in this field report job titles such as rolling mill operator, cold mill operator and temper mill operator[25].

Where they work

In the wider group of metal and plastic machine workers, fabricated metal product manufacturing was the largest employer, at 25% of jobs in 2025[26].

The machines can be powerful and fast, so workers follow safety rules and usually wear protective gear such as safety glasses, earplugs and steel-toed boots[27]. Other gear depends on the setting. Respirators are common in plastics work near fumes or dust[28]. The job calls for standing for long periods and repetitive tasks[29].

Full-time work is typical, and some workers put in more than 40 hours a week[30]. Many manufacturers run machines for long stretches, so evening and weekend work is also common[30].

Job outlook

BLS projects employment of these workers to fall 8.3% from 2025 to 2035, from about 25,300 to 23,200 jobs[2]. Employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% over the same period[31]. BLS names productivity change as a factor: manufacturers are expected to use more CNC, automated and programmable machinery for some tasks that these workers do now[32].

Jobs still open up. BLS projects about 1,900 openings a year on average, and these include jobs left by workers who retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs[5]. Each year, 3.4% of workers leave the labor force and 5.3% move to a different occupation[33].

Is it a good fit?

The facts point to a job with a low barrier to entry: a high school diploma, no related experience and moderate-term on-the-job training[6]. Median pay is close to the all-occupations median[1][4]. The outlook is the main caution, since employment is projected to shrink while all occupations grow[2][31]. Openings still occur each year as people leave the job[5]. The work involves standing for long periods, repetitive tasks and safety gear around powerful machines[29][27].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[34].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a mill operator make an hour?
The median was $24.10 an hour in May 2025[1]. The middle half earned between $21.16 and $29.75 an hour[1][9].
What education do you need to be a mill operator?
BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry education, with no related work experience[6].
How long does it take to become a mill operator?
BLS lists moderate-term on-the-job training[6]. In the wider profile, basic operations can be learned in a few months and some roles need up to 1 year[19].
Is mill operator a growing job?
No. Employment is projected to decline 8.3% from 2025 to 2035, while all occupations are projected to grow 3.5%[2][31].
What is the highest paying state for mill operators?
Iowa had the highest median at $72,670, followed by Pennsylvania at $66,970[11].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in the US was $50,140 per year and $24.10 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic is projected to decline 8.3% from 2025 to 2035, from about 25,300 to 23,200 jobs (a change of -2,100). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  3. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: 10th percentile $37,690, 25th percentile $44,020, 75th percentile $61,880, 90th percentile $70,310. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS Employment Projections: about 1,900 openings for Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  6. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: education needed for entry: High school diploma or equivalent; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic was $53,220 per year and $25.59 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  8. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: 10th percentile $18.12, 25th percentile $21.16, 75th percentile $29.75, 90th percentile $33.80. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. Median annual wage for Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs: Pennsylvania 3,070; Indiana 2,750; Alabama 1,710; Texas 1,680; Michigan 1,480. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (areas with at least 100 jobs): Reading, PA $70,310; Pittsburgh, PA $69,150; Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $61,090; Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI $59,660; Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $59,310; Knoxville, TN $58,680; Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX $57,280; Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $57,130. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs: Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 1,300 (median $49,850); Pittsburgh, PA 1,260 (median $69,150); Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA 730 (median $47,730); Reading, PA 670 (median $70,310); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 570 (median $48,080); Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN 550 (median $50,400). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  16. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Advancement. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  17. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Advancement. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile "Metal and Plastic Machine Workers" covers Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic together with other related occupations, so its text describes the wider group. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. O*NET 51-4023.00 survey of workers (29 respondents), education level they say is required: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) 74%, Less than a High School Diploma 13%, Some College Courses 10% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. O*NET description of Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. O*NET OnLine
  24. O*NET task list for Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. O*NET OnLine
  25. O*NET 51-4023.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Breakdown Mill Operator, Calender Operator, Cold Mill Operator, Machine Operator, Mill Operator, Rolling Mill Operator, Roughing Mill Operator, Temper Mill Operator. O*NET OnLine
  26. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of metal and plastic machine workers in 2025: Fabricated metal product manufacturing 25%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  27. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Injuries and Illnesses. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  28. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Injuries and Illnesses. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  29. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  30. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  31. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  32. BLS Employment Projections, factor affecting employment of Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: Productivity change - share decreases as manufacturers are expected to use more CNC, automated, and programmable machinery to perform some functions or tasks previously done by these workers. BLS Employment Projections
  33. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: 3.4% of workers leave the labor force each year and 5.3% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  34. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers. The Occupational Outlook Handbook text covers a wider group of occupations than this page.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.