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Overview
Plasma cutting machine operators set up and run machines that use a plasma torch to cut metal workpieces, remove excess material and produce clean cut lines.
In job descriptions, look for plasma torches, metal types, machine monitoring, test runs, measuring equipment, cutting waste, product quality checks and technical drawings.
Explore this occupation
Open in Job ExplorerWork context
The work is on the metal shop floor, where drawings, metal type, machine settings, torch condition and cut quality guide each plasma cutting job.
Skills and specializations
Useful strengths include setting up plasma machines, monitoring automated cutting, using precision measuring equipment, running test cuts, removing faulty workpieces and keeping cutting waste controlled.
Salary context
Salary context depends on material range, machine complexity, tolerance demands, shift pattern, responsibility for setup, inspection duties and the amount of independent troubleshooting.
Career paths
Experience can lead toward CNC cutting, laser or waterjet cutting, machine setting, quality control, production coordination or maintenance of metalworking equipment.
Good to know
Check whether adverts mention plasma torches, ferrous metals, geometric tolerances, test runs, product inspection or machine faults. Those details show how technical the operator role is.
Editorial note
This guide is editorial career context, not official labour-market statistics or occupation-specific salary data.
Map overview
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O*NET relationships
See occupations connected to this ESCO occupation in the official O*NET–ESCO mapping. The relationship type comes from the source and is not a ranking or recommendation.
O*NET relationships: 1
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
51-4122.00
O*NET occupation is broader
The O*NET occupation covers a broader field of work than this ESCO occupation.
Open in O*NETSource and method
These relationships come from the official European Commission O*NET–ESCO crosswalk.
Relationship direction: O*NET occupation to ESCO occupation.
Several O*NET occupations can point to the same ESCO occupation, and one O*NET occupation can point to several ESCO occupations.
AltoTrail preserves the source relationship type. The order is technical and does not show which occupation is best, most relevant or recommended.
AltoTrail validates and presents the source relationships without adding ranking or recommendation semantics.
Alternative labels
acetylene cutter
arc torch cutter
acetylene torch cutter
plasma burning torch operator
plasma torch machine operator
plasma burning torch technician
plasma cutter operator
arc cutter
plasma burning machine technician
plasma burning machine operator
plasma cutter operative
plasma torch machine operative
Occupation group
Metal working machine tool setters and operators (7223)
Source facts
| ESCO URI | http://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/16811760-fb2d-42cf-912d-2215f085898f |
|---|---|
| ESCO code | 7223.16 |
| ISCO group | 7223 |
| Concept type | Occupation |