Machine Setters and Setter-Operators
6AI EXPOSURE TODAY6
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST46%
NOT A FORECAST46%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£20,000 - £25,000
REGULATORY MOATThe law requires human oversight. That human could be you.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM MANUFACTURING & PRODUCTION →
Machine Setters and Setter-Operators
Machine setters and setter-operators are the backbone of manufacturing, ensuring that complex machinery runs smoothly and efficiently. In the UK, their expertise is crucial for maintaining productivity and quality in various industries, from automotive to pharmaceuticals.
THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.
AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.
This job holds up well against AI
AI exposure today is low on our index (6), and the law requires human oversight. That human could be you. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior Machine SetterIn this entry-level role, you will assist experienced setters in machine setup and operation, gaining hands-on experience and foundational skills.£20,000 - £25,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-Level Setter-OperatorAs a mid-level operator, you will independently manage machine setups, perform troubleshooting, and contribute to process optimisation.£30,000 - £40,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Machine SetterIn a senior role, you will oversee machine operations, lead teams, and drive strategic improvements in production efficiency.£50,000+
There is more than one way in
You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is an apprenticeship route into this career. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.