Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
Set up, operate, or tend forging machines to taper, shape, or form metal or plastic parts.
Median pay: $49,030/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: -18.9% projected growth, 2024–2034 — declining.
About 600 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Read work orders or blueprints to determine specified tolerances and sequences of operations for machine setup.
• Position and move metal wires or workpieces through a series of dies that compress and shape stock to form die impressions.
• Measure and inspect machined parts to ensure conformance to product 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.
• Turn handles or knobs to set pressures and depths of ram strokes and to synchronize machine operations.
• Install, adjust, and remove dies, synchronizing cams, forging hammers, and stop guides, using overhead cranes or other hoisting devices, and hand tools.
• Start machines to produce sample workpieces, and observe operations to detect machine malfunctions and to verify that machine setups conform to specifications.
• Confer with other workers about machine setups and operational specifications.
What's the median pay for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
The median pay for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic is $49,030 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Employment for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic is projected to change -18.9% from 2024 to 2034 - declining.
What education is typically required for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
About 600 openings per year, on average, over the decade.