Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn a median of $46,330 per year ($22.27/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to fall 10.5% through 2035, with about 13,200 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- SOC 51-4031
- Production
- Last updated October 15, 2026
At a glance
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic in four numbers
- Median pay
- $46,330a year, or $22.27/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $36KTop 10% $66K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- -10.5%DecliningBLS EP, 2025–2035This career−10.5%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career −10.5% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 13,200171,000 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 2025171K
- Projected 2035153.1K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 171K Projected 2035 153.1K - Typical education
- High schoolneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Less than high school0.9%
- High school63.4%
- Certificate34.9%
- Some college0.9%
Highest education held by cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic Segment Value Less than high school 0.9% High school 63.4% Certificate 34.9% Some college 0.9%
Also advertised as: Die Setter, Fabrication Operator, Machine Operator, Machine Setter, Press Brake Operator, Press Operator.
Pay
How much do cutting make?
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn a median of $46,330 a year ($22.27 an hour, or about $3,860 a month); the lowest-paid 10% earn less than $35,760 and the top 10% more than $65,510 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
The best-paying state is Oregon, with a median of $53,680. See Cutting, punching, and press machine setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic salary in Oregon and every other state. By city, pay is highest around San Jose ($68,600 average): salary in every city.
Every cutting, punching, and press machine setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$46,330
Middle half earn $38,870 to $55,410
- 10th
- $35,760
- 25th
- $38,870
- 75th
- $55,410
- 90th
- $65,510
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $35,760 |
| 25th | $38,870 |
| Median | $46,330 |
| 75th | $55,410 |
| 90th | $65,510 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $46,330
- Median hourly wage
- $22.27/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $48,430
- People employed
- 171,200
Versus all US occupations
At $46,330, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn 9% below the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $4,650 a year.
Versus production occupations
Inside the Production group, where the middle occupation pays $48,030, this is 4% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $65,510 or more while the bottom 10% earn $35,760, a gap of 1.8×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 14% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Cost of living
Oregon posts the highest raw median ($53,680), but once local prices are taken into account Iowa leads at $54,967 in national-average dollars.
Pay by state
Which states pay cutting the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Oregon | $53,680 | $51,934 | 1,180 |
| 2Maine | $51,820 | $53,395 | 180 |
| 3Washington | $51,160 | $47,807 | 1,750 |
| 4Colorado | $50,790 | $49,286 | 1,400 |
| 5Minnesota | $49,770 | $50,466 | 6,130 |
| 6Wisconsin | $49,270 | $52,362 | 7,960 |
| 7Alaska | $49,010 | $47,880 | 80 |
| 8Illinois | $48,990 | $49,011 | 8,060 |
| 9Nebraska | $48,690 | $54,038 | 1,320 |
| 10Montana | $48,490 | $51,234 | 130 |
Job outlook
Is cutting, punching, and press machine setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Declining. -10.5% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | −10.5% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Declining
BLS projects employment of Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic to change -10.5% over 2025–2035, while total US employment is projected to rise 3.5%. That is 17,900 fewer jobs.
Annual openings
About 13,200 openings are projected each year, 7.7% of the 171,000 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of metal and plastic machine workers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, decline.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Projected employment of metal and plastic machine workers varies by occupation (see table).
One of the most important factors influencing employment of these workers is the use of laborsaving machinery. Many firms are continuing to expand the use of technologies, such as computer numerically controlled (CNC) tools and robots, to improve quality and lower production costs. The use of CNC equipment requires CNC tool programmers instead of machine setters, operators, and tenders. Therefore, demand for most manual tool operators and tenders is likely to be reduced, while demand for CNC tool programmers is expected to be strong.
AI exposure: low
BLS places this occupation in its low relative AI exposure category, among the occupations least exposed to current AI.
Getting in
How to become a cutting, punching, and press machine setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic
Metal and plastic workers typically need a high school diploma to enter the occupation and receive 1 year of on-the-job training. Computer numerically controlled (CNC) tool programmers typically need postsecondary education.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
High school diploma or equivalent
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Some preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)63.4%
- Post-Secondary Certificate34.9%
- Less than a High School Diploma0.9%
- Some College Courses0.9%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 63.4% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 34.9% |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 0.9% |
| Some College Courses | 0.9% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a cutting, punching, and press machine setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic do?
Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate equipment that cuts, shapes, and forms metal and plastic materials or pieces.
Day-to-day tasks
- Clean work area.
- Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
- Examine completed workpieces for defects, such as chipped edges or marred surfaces and sort defective pieces according to types of flaws.
- Start machines, monitor their operations, and record operational data.
- Measure completed workpieces to verify conformance to specifications, using micrometers, gauges, calipers, templates, or rulers.
- Read work orders or production schedules to determine specifications, such as materials to be used, locations of cutting lines, or dimensions and tolerances.
- Turn controls to set cutting speeds, feed rates, or table angles for specified operations.
- Load workpieces, plastic material, or chemical solutions into machines.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most metal and plastic machine workers are employed full time. Some work more than 40 hours per week. Because many manufacturers run their machinery for extended periods, evening and weekend work is also common.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayAlmost never works outdoors.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayDealing with the public
Not importantExtremely importantLittle or no dealing with customers or the public.
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayMeeting strict deadlines at least weekly.
Conflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotLimited freedom to decide without approval.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Active Listening3.0
- Speaking3.0
- Critical Thinking3.0
- Monitoring3.0
- Reading Comprehension2.8
- Active Learning2.8
- Writing2.5
- Mathematics2.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Active Listening | 3.0 |
| Speaking | 3.0 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.0 |
| Monitoring | 3.0 |
| Reading Comprehension | 2.8 |
| Active Learning | 2.8 |
| Writing | 2.5 |
| Mathematics | 2.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Operations Monitoring3.5
- Operation and Control3.4
- Troubleshooting3.0
- Quality Control Analysis3.0
- Judgment and Decision Making2.9
- Coordination2.8
- Equipment Maintenance2.8
- Time Management2.8
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Operations Monitoring | 3.5 |
| Operation and Control | 3.4 |
| Troubleshooting | 3.0 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.0 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 2.9 |
| Coordination | 2.8 |
| Equipment Maintenance | 2.8 |
| Time Management | 2.8 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Computer aided design CAD software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Industrial control software
- Inventory management software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
The workforce
Who works as a cutting, punching, and press machine setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic?
Women make up 10.8% of cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic, against 47.1% of all employed people: a heavily male-dominated occupation.
18.9% are 55 or older, close to the 23.2% across all jobs.
The median worker is 39.3 years old (all workers: 42.1).
- Women
- 10.8%All workers 47.1% · BLS CPS, 2025
- Median age
- 39.3All workers 42.1 · BLS CPS, 2025
- Aged 55+
- 18.9%All workers 23.2% · BLS CPS, 2025
- Employed (CPS)
- 53,000BLS CPS, 2025
| Group | Share of cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic | All employed people |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 10.8% | 47.1% |
| White | 70.9% | 75.7% |
| Black or African American | 12.4% | 12.7% |
| Asian | 3.9% | 7.5% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 40.4% | 20.0% |
| Aged 55 and over | 18.9% | 23.2% |
| Aged 16 to 24 | 15.1% | 12.2% |
Current Population Survey annual averages, 2025 (BLS tables 11 and 11b). Race groups can overlap with Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, so they do not sum to 100%.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a cutting, punching, and press machine setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 7 |
| Investigative | 2 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 1 |
| Enterprising | 1 |
| Conventional | 4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
- Realistic6.9
- Conventional4.3
- Investigative2.2
- Artistic1.1
- Social1.0
- Enterprising1.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
O*NET related occupations
- Production
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$46,570median a year
Most earn $36K to $61K
−0.9%High school - Production
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$43,380median a year
Most earn $32K to $57K
−2.5%High school - Production
Milling and Planing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$52,800median a year
Most earn $38K to $81K
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Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$46,550median a year
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Rolling Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$50,140median a year
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Forging Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$49,030median a year
Most earn $37K to $69K
−17.2%High school
More production careers
Median annual pay, with cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic highlighted
- Power Plant Operator$102,040
- Tool and Die Maker$64,050
- Machinist$58,750
- Welder$53,750
- Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter$51,330
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator$50,690
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic$46,330
- Butcher and Meat Cutter$40,140
- Baker$37,160
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Plant Operator | $102,040 |
| Tool and Die Maker | $64,050 |
| Machinist | $58,750 |
| Welder | $53,750 |
| Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter | $51,330 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator | $50,690 |
| Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic | $46,330 |
| Butcher and Meat Cutter | $40,140 |
| Baker | $37,160 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic appears on
Questions
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic: frequently asked questions
How much do cutting make?
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn a median of $46,330 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 9% below the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $22.27/hr. The middle half earn between $38,870 and $55,410. The top 10% earn $65,510 or more.
How much do cutting make an hour?
The median hourly wage for cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $22.27 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). On a full-year basis the $46,330 annual median works out to about $3,860 a month before tax.
What is the starting salary for a cutting, punching, and press machine setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic?
BLS does not publish a starting salary. The nearest measure is the low end of the pay range: the lowest-paid 10% of cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic earn less than $35,760 a year and the bottom quarter less than $38,870 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). New workers often start near that end, but where a particular job starts depends on the employer, the state and the credentials you bring, so read these as the bottom of the range rather than a guaranteed entry wage.
Which states pay cutting the most?
The highest state medians for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are Oregon ($53,680), Maine ($51,820), Washington ($51,160) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Adjusted for local prices using BEA Regional Price Parities, Iowa moves to the top at $54,967.
What kind of cutting, punching, and press machine setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic earns the most?
BLS does not split cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic' pay by specialty or employer, but its range shows how far the top end runs: the highest-paid 10% earn more than $65,510, against a median of $46,330 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Location moves pay the most in the published data: the best-paying states are Oregon ($53,680), Maine ($51,820), Washington ($51,160).
Do you need a degree to become a cutting, punching, and press machine setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic?
No. A bachelor's degree is not the norm: BLS reports a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. BLS also lists moderate-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 63.4% hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged).
How long does it take to become a cutting, punching, and press machine setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic?
BLS does not publish a fixed length; it depends on the route. What it does publish: the typical way in for cutting is a high school diploma or equivalent. Once hired, BLS lists moderate-term on-the-job training as typical. O*NET classes the work as needing some preparation.
Is cutting, punching, and press machine setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic a growing career?
No. BLS projects employment to fall 10.5% over 2025–2035, a loss of 17,900 jobs (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 13,200 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a cutting, punching, and press machine setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic do?
Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate equipment that cuts, shapes, and forms metal and plastic materials or pieces. A core O*NET task: clean work area. Employers most often ask for Computer aided design CAD software, Electronic mail software, Enterprise resource planning ERP software.
Do cutting work 40 hours a week?
Most work fewer than 40. In O*NET's survey of people in the job, 0% of cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic usually work more than 40 hours a week, 0% work exactly 40 and 2% work fewer. 77% say their schedule is regular and 23% irregular. Source: O*NET 31.0 Database, Work Context.
What personality type suits a cutting, punching, and press machine setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic?
O*NET scores Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic highest on the Realistic and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.
What percentage of cutting are women?
Women make up 10.8% of cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic, against 47.1% of all employed people: a heavily male-dominated occupation. 18.9% are 55 or older, close to the 23.2% across all jobs. The median worker is 39.3 years old (all workers: 42.1). Source: BLS Current Population Survey, 2025 annual averages.