Career Comparison Dashboard

Comparing 2 careers • Side-by-side analysis

Data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics & O*NET

Quick Comparison

Career Highlights

When comparing Athletic Trainers and Metal and Plastic Machine Workers, several key differences and similarities emerge. Athletic Trainers offers a median salary of $60,250, the highest among these roles, while Metal and Plastic Machine Workers earns $46,800, the lowest. In terms of job growth, Athletic Trainers is projected to grow at +11.0%, the fastest, while Metal and Plastic Machine Workers is expected to grow at -7.0%, the slowest.

Job opportunities also differ: Athletic Trainers has 33,900 positions (fewest jobs), while Metal and Plastic Machine Workers offers 74,500 (most jobs). Education requirements for Athletic Trainers typically include Master's degree, while Metal and Plastic Machine Workers does not specify a standard path.

When it comes to work-life balance, Athletic Trainers and Metal and Plastic Machine Workers may differ, with one typically offering a more balanced lifestyle and the other potentially having a more demanding schedule. Automation risk is lower for Athletic Trainers if its score is lower, meaning it is more secure from technological replacement, while Metal and Plastic Machine Workers may face a higher risk if its score is higher. In terms of personality fit, Athletic Trainers is best suited for those who align with its Holland code profile, while Metal and Plastic Machine Workers matches a different set of interests and strengths.

This side-by-side analysis helps you weigh salary, growth, job opportunities, education, work-life balance, automation risk, accessibility, and personality fit to find the best career for your goals and lifestyle.

Each career excels in different areas, or available data varies between roles. Use this comparison to find the best fit for your goals, salary expectations, and future growth.

Athletic Trainers

Metal and Plastic Machine Workers

Athletic Trainers

$60,250
+11.0%

Requirements

Master's degree 33,900 jobs

Automation Risk

Low
8% chance of being automated

Work-Life Balance

7.6/10
7.6/10

Top Skills

Compassion Decision-making skills Detail oriented Interpersonal skills

Strengths

  • High Demand
  • Flexible Work
  • Continuous Learning

Challenges

  • Burnout Risk
  • Rapid Technological Change

What They Do

Athletic Trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries in athletes and physically active individuals. They develop rehabilitation programs, provide emergency care, and promote overall physical health. Their work is critical in sports medicine, healthcare, and fitness settings.

This career is well suited for individuals who enjoy healthcare, physical activity, and working closely with athletes.

What Do Athletic Trainers Do?

These professionals assess injuries, implement treatment plans, and help patients recover safely and effectively.

Common responsibilities include:

  • Evaluating and diagnosing musculoskeletal injuries
  • Developing and implementing rehabilitation programs
  • Providing first aid and emergency care during athletic events
  • Educating athletes on injury prevention and health maintenance
  • Collaborating with physicians, coaches, and other healthcare professionals
  • Maintaining detailed patient records and progress reports
  • Monitoring and adjusting treatment plans based on recovery

Key Areas of Athletic Training

Athletic trainers may focus on specific activities or populations:

  • Injury Prevention: Designing programs to reduce the risk of sports-related injuries
  • Rehabilitation and Therapy: Guiding recovery after injury or surgery
  • Emergency Care and First Aid: Responding to injuries on the field or in training
  • Education and Health Promotion: Teaching proper techniques, nutrition, and conditioning
  • Sports Performance Support: Monitoring athlete fitness and performance levels

Skills and Abilities Needed

Athletic trainers combine medical knowledge, physical fitness, and interpersonal skills.

Core Professional Skills

- Injury assessment and rehabilitation techniques - First aid, CPR, and emergency response - Exercise physiology and conditioning - Knowledge of anatomy, kinesiology, and biomechanics - Recordkeeping and patient progress documentation - Communication and collaboration with healthcare and sports professionals

Personal Qualities That Matter

- Strong observational and analytical skills - Physical stamina and manual dexterity - Patience and empathy - Problem-solving and critical thinking - Strong communication and interpersonal abilities - Attention to detail and responsibility

Education and Career Pathway

This role typically requires formal education and certification:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree: Athletic training, kinesiology, or related healthcare field
  • Clinical Internship or Practicum: Hands-on experience in sports or healthcare settings
  • Certification and Licensure: Board of Certification (BOC) credential or state licensing
  • Continuing Education: Maintaining certification and staying current on treatment methods and sports medicine research
  • Specialization (optional): Focus in specific sports, rehabilitation, or wellness programs

Where Do Athletic Trainers Work?

They are employed in settings that involve athletic performance and healthcare:

  • Schools, Colleges, and Universities
  • Professional and Amateur Sports Teams
  • Rehabilitation Clinics and Hospitals
  • Fitness Centers and Sports Facilities
  • Occupational and Industrial Health Programs

Work environments include gyms, athletic fields, clinics, and hospitals.

Is This Career Difficult?

This career requires physical stamina, medical knowledge, and strong interpersonal skills. Athletic trainers must manage injuries, respond to emergencies, and develop individualized rehabilitation plans.

Who Should Consider This Career?

This career may be a strong fit if you:

  • Enjoy healthcare and working with athletes
  • Are detail-oriented and analytical
  • Can handle physically demanding tasks
  • Have strong communication and collaboration skills
  • Want a career focused on injury prevention, treatment, and performance enhancement

How to Prepare Early

  • Take courses in anatomy, physiology, health sciences, and kinesiology
  • Gain experience through internships, volunteer work, or athletic programs
  • Develop skills in first aid, CPR, and emergency response
  • Participate in sports, fitness, or rehabilitation programs
  • Explore accredited athletic training degree programs and certification options

Athletic trainers prevent, assess, and treat injuries, support athlete health and performance, and provide critical care in sports and healthcare settings.

Key Industries

Arts, entertainment, and recreation Educational services; state, local, and private Hospitals; state, local, and private Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists

Metal and Plastic Machine Workers

$46,800
-7.0%

Requirements

Varies 74,500 jobs

Automation Risk

Medium
38% chance of being automated

Work-Life Balance

3.3/10
3.3/10

Top Skills

Computer skills Mechanical skills Physical stamina Physical strength

Strengths

  • High Demand
  • Flexible Work
  • Continuous Learning

Challenges

  • Burnout Risk
  • Rapid Technological Change

What They Do

Metal and Plastic Machine Workers operate and maintain machines that cut, shape, and form metal or plastic parts. They produce precision components used in manufacturing, construction, and consumer products. Their work is critical in industrial production, quality control, and mechanical fabrication.

This career is well suited for individuals who enjoy hands-on technical work, precision, and mechanical problem-solving.

What Do Metal and Plastic Machine Workers Do?

These workers set up, operate, and monitor machinery to produce metal and plastic products according to specifications.

Common responsibilities include:

  • Setting up machines based on work orders and blueprints
  • Operating lathes, milling machines, grinders, or plastic molding equipment
  • Monitoring machine performance and adjusting settings as needed
  • Inspecting finished parts for accuracy and quality
  • Performing routine maintenance and troubleshooting
  • Recording production data and maintaining logs
  • Adhering to safety standards and company procedures

Key Areas of Metal and Plastic Machining

Workers may specialize in specific processes or materials:

  • Metal Fabrication: Cutting, shaping, and forming metal components
  • Plastic Molding and Machining: Producing plastic parts using molds and machines
  • CNC Operation: Programming and operating computer-controlled machinery
  • Quality Control: Inspecting and testing parts for specifications
  • Maintenance and Safety: Ensuring machines operate safely and efficiently

Skills and Abilities Needed

Metal and plastic machine workers combine technical knowledge with precision and problem-solving skills.

Core Professional Skills

- Machine setup, operation, and monitoring - Reading and interpreting blueprints and specifications - CNC programming and operation (if applicable) - Measurement and quality inspection - Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting - Safety compliance and hazard recognition

Personal Qualities That Matter

- Attention to detail and accuracy - Mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills - Physical stamina and manual dexterity - Patience and persistence - Organizational and time-management skills - Ability to work independently or in teams

Education and Career Pathway

This role typically requires vocational training or on-the-job experience:

  • High School Diploma or GED (minimum): Basic math, science, and technical skills
  • Vocational or Technical Training: Programs in machining, manufacturing, or industrial technology
  • On-the-Job Training: Learning machine operation, safety procedures, and quality standards
  • Continuous Learning: Staying current with machining technology, tools, and industry standards

Where Do Metal and Plastic Machine Workers Work?

They are employed in industries that produce metal and plastic components:

  • Manufacturing and Industrial Companies
  • Metal Fabrication Shops
  • Plastics and Polymer Production Facilities
  • Automotive and Aerospace Manufacturing
  • Tool and Die Shops

Work environments include factories, workshops, and production floors.

Is This Career Difficult?

This career requires technical knowledge, precision, and physical stamina. Workers must manage machinery safely, produce accurate parts, and troubleshoot mechanical issues.

Who Should Consider This Career?

This career may be a strong fit if you:

  • Enjoy working with machinery and tools
  • Are detail-oriented and mechanically skilled
  • Have patience and problem-solving ability
  • Can follow specifications and maintain quality standards
  • Want a career in manufacturing, fabrication, or production

How to Prepare Early

  • Take courses in industrial technology, manufacturing, or mechanical systems
  • Gain experience through vocational programs, internships, or workshops
  • Develop skills in blueprint reading, measurement, and machine operation
  • Practice attention to detail and safety procedures
  • Stay informed on new machining technologies and techniques

Metal and plastic machine workers produce precise components, operating and maintaining machinery to support manufacturing and industrial production.

Key Industries

Machinery manufacturing Transportation equipment manufacturing Primary metal manufacturing Fabricated metal product manufacturing Plastics and rubber products manufacturing