Rolling Machine Operator: Job Description, Pay & Outlook

What does a rolling machine operator do?

Rolling machine setters, operators and tenders, metal and plastic, set up, operate or tend machines to roll steel or plastic forming bends, beads, knurls or shapes, or to flatten, temper or reduce gauge. The median pay is $50,140 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about A few months on the job, and employment is projected to grow -8.3% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$50,140
$24.10/hour · May 2025
Job growth
-8.3%
2025–35, a projected decline
Openings per year
1,900
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS classification
Time to train
A few months on the job
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
25,300
Employment, 2025

What rolling machine operators do

Rolling machine operators shape metal by squeezing it between rolls. They set roll gaps, feed metal, control speed and tension, measure thickness and flatness, and keep mills running in steel, aluminum and metal-forming plants.

A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical. BLS projects decline.

Typical duties

Set up rolls
Set roll gaps
Feed metal
Control speed
Measure thickness
Inspect surfaces
Record production

Work environment and schedule

Operators work in steel and aluminum mills and metal plants.

Schedule: Full time, rotating 12-hour shifts common.

A day in the life

6:00 AMCheck the mill.
6:30 AMSet roll gaps.
7:30 AMRun coils.
9:30 AMMeasure gauge.

See a full day in the life of a rolling machine operator →

Rolling Machine Operator salary

Half of rolling machine operators earned more than $50,140 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $37,690 for the lowest 10% to $70,310 for the top 10%.

$37,69010th$50,140Median$70,31090th

Full rolling machine operator pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a rolling machine operator

Finish high school
Get hired at a mill
Learn the mill
Become an operator
Advance

A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a rolling machine operator →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Mill operation
Roll setup
Gauge measurement
Surface inspection
Crane use

People skills

Attention to detail
Teamwork
Safety focus
Reliability

All rolling machine operator skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Good mill pay
Union jobs common
No degree needed
Overtime

Cons

Declining employment
Heat and noise
Rotating shifts
Pinch-point hazards

Certifications and licenses

Crane certification: Helpful.
Mill training: Employer.
OSHA 10: Safety.
Forklift certification: Helpful.

Career path

Mill Laborer: Entry.
Operator: Run mill.
Roller or Lead: Lead crew.
Supervisor: Lead.

Learn the job before day one

Our Rolling Machine Operator training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as set a roll gap and inspect rolled sheet for defects, safety and how to land your first job.

View Rolling Machine Operator training Is this career right for me?

Metal Furnace Operator

Run furnaces that melt and refine metal in mills and foundries.

$54,430
A few months on the job

Extruding Machine Operator

Run machines that push metal or plastic through dies to make tubes, pipes and profiles.

$47,720
A few months on the job

Press Operator

Run presses that cut, punch and bend metal and plastic parts.

$46,330
A few months on the job

Forging Machine Operator

Shape hot metal with presses and hammers to make strong parts.

$49,030
A few months on the job

Compare: Rolling Machine Operator vs. Metal Furnace Operator · Rolling Machine Operator vs. Extruding Machine Operator · Rolling Machine Operator vs. Press Operator · Rolling Machine Operator vs. Forging Machine Operator

Rolling Machine Operator FAQ

Do I need a degree?

No.

Is the job declining?

BLS projects decline.

Are mill jobs union?

Many are.

How much does a rolling machine operator make?

The median annual wage for rolling machine operators was $50,140 ($24.10 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $37,690 and the highest 10% earned more than $70,310.

How long does it take to become a rolling machine operator?

Most people need about A few months on the job of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.

Do you need a degree to be a rolling machine operator?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

More rolling machine operator questions →

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-4023 (Rolling machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Rolling machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Rolling Machine Operator