The median pay for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic is $49,030 a year ($23.57/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to fall 17.2% through 2035, with about 600 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- SOC 51-4022
- Production
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Forging Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic in four numbers
- Median pay
- $49,030a year, or $23.57/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $37KTop 10% $69K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- -17.2%DecliningBLS EP, 2025–2035This career−17.2%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career −17.2% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 6008,900 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 20258.9K
- Projected 20357.4K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 8.9K Projected 2035 7.4K - Typical education
- High schoolneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
Also advertised as: Blacksmith, Forge Operator, Forge Press Operator, Forger, Hammer Operator, Header Operator.
Pay
How much do Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make?
Every forging machine setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$49,030
Middle half earn $42,440 to $60,130
- 10th
- $36,800
- 25th
- $42,440
- 75th
- $60,130
- 90th
- $68,720
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $36,800 |
| 25th | $42,440 |
| Median | $49,030 |
| 75th | $60,130 |
| 90th | $68,720 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $49,030
- Median hourly wage
- $23.57/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $51,680
- People employed
- 8,930
Versus all US occupations
At $49,030, Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn 4% below the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $1,950 a year.
Versus production occupations
The median is typical for the Production group, where the middle occupation pays $48,030.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $68,720 or more while the bottom 10% earn $36,800, a gap of 1.9×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 20% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Cost of living
Oregon posts the highest raw median ($69,210), but once local prices are taken into account Oklahoma leads at $70,262 in national-average dollars.
Pay by state
Which states pay Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 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 | $69,210 | $66,959 | 30 |
| 2Oklahoma | $61,720 | $70,262 | N/A |
| 3Michigan | $61,620 | $64,043 | 620 |
| 4Nebraska | $60,460 | $67,101 | 200 |
| 5Wisconsin | $60,310 | $64,095 | 80 |
| 6California | $59,250 | $53,513 | 750 |
| 7Colorado | $57,970 | $56,253 | 140 |
| 8Ohio | $56,870 | $61,300 | 500 |
| 9New York | $56,350 | $52,214 | 260 |
| 10Missouri | $55,210 | $60,793 | 60 |
Job outlook
Is Forging Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Declining. -17.2% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | −17.2% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Declining
BLS projects employment of Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic to change -17.2% over 2025–2035, while total US employment is projected to rise 3.5%. That is 1,500 fewer jobs.
Annual openings
About 600 openings are projected each year, 6.7% of the 8,900 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.
Getting in
How to become a Forging 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)
Little or no preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
Full BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entryThe work
What does a Forging Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic do?
Set up, operate, or tend forging machines to taper, shape, or form metal or plastic parts.
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
- Read work orders or blueprints to determine specified tolerances and sequences of operations for machine setup.
- Turn handles or knobs to set pressures and depths of ram strokes and to synchronize machine operations.
- Start machines to produce sample workpieces, and observe operations to detect machine malfunctions and to verify that machine setups conform to specifications.
- Measure and inspect machined parts to ensure conformance to product specifications.
- Confer with other workers about machine setups and operational specifications.
- Set up, operate, or tend presses and forging machines to perform hot or cold forging by flattening, straightening, bending, cutting, piercing, or other operations to taper, shape, or form metal.
- Trim and compress finished forgings to specified tolerances.
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 timeOn their feet more than half the working day.
Bending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely importantLittle or no dealing with customers or the public.
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayConflict situations are rare.
Cost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
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
- Monitoring3.1
- Reading Comprehension2.9
- Active Listening2.9
- Speaking2.9
- Critical Thinking2.9
- Writing2.4
- Mathematics2.1
- Active Learning2.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Monitoring | 3.1 |
| Reading Comprehension | 2.9 |
| Active Listening | 2.9 |
| Speaking | 2.9 |
| Critical Thinking | 2.9 |
| Writing | 2.4 |
| Mathematics | 2.1 |
| Active Learning | 2.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Operations Monitoring3.4
- Operation and Control3.3
- Equipment Maintenance2.9
- Quality Control Analysis2.9
- Coordination2.8
- Troubleshooting2.8
- Judgment and Decision Making2.8
- Time Management2.8
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Operations Monitoring | 3.4 |
| Operation and Control | 3.3 |
| Equipment Maintenance | 2.9 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 2.9 |
| Coordination | 2.8 |
| Troubleshooting | 2.8 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 2.8 |
| Time Management | 2.8 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Electronic mail 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.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Forging Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Forging Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 7 |
| Investigative | 3 |
| 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.
- Realistic6.7
- Conventional4.4
- Investigative2.6
- Enterprising1.2
- Artistic1.0
- Social1.0
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 Forging Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
O*NET related occupations
- Production
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$46,330median a year
Most earn $36K to $66K
−10.5%High school - Production
Woodworking Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Except Sawing
$43,380median a year
Most earn $32K to $57K
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- Production
Multiple Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$47,180median a year
Most earn $36K to $74K
+0.6%High school - Production
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$50,620median a year
Most earn $37K to $70K
−11.3%High school - Production
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$46,550median a year
Most earn $36K to $63K
−10.8%High school
More production careers
Median annual pay, with forging 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
- Forging Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic$49,030
- 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 |
| Forging Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic | $49,030 |
| Butcher and Meat Cutter | $40,140 |
| Baker | $37,160 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Forging Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic appears on
Questions
Forging Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic: frequently asked questions
How much do Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make?
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn a median of $49,030 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 4% below the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $23.57/hr. The middle half earn between $42,440 and $60,130. The top 10% earn $68,720 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Forging 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 Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. BLS also lists moderate-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training.
Is Forging Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic a growing career?
No. BLS projects employment to fall 17.2% over 2025–2035, a loss of 1,500 jobs (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 600 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Forging 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: read work orders or blueprints to determine specified tolerances and sequences of operations for machine setup.
Which states pay Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic the most?
The highest state medians for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are Oregon ($69,210), Oklahoma ($61,720), Michigan ($61,620) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Adjusted for local prices using BEA Regional Price Parities, Oklahoma moves to the top at $70,262.
What personality type suits a Forging Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic?
O*NET scores Forging 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.