Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary in New Jersey (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in New Jersey, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
New Jersey Median
$35,630
per year
Hourly Rate
$17.13
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-27% vs US median
US median $49,030
State Rank
#32 of 32
state estimate

How much do Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in New Jersey?

Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic working in New Jersey earn a median salary of $35,630 per year, or about $17.13 per hour. That is 27% below the national median of $49,030 for this occupation.

Within New Jersey, entry-level pay starts around $34,840 while the top 10% make $72,760 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $35,630 and $39,210 a year.

Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary range in New Jersey

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$34,840$16.75
25th percentile (early career)$35,630$17.13
50th percentile (median)$35,630$17.13
75th percentile (experienced)$39,210$18.85
90th percentile (top earners)$72,760$34.98

How New Jersey compares

New Jersey ranks 32nd out of 32 states and territories for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Oregon$69,210
2Oklahoma$61,720
3Michigan$61,620
4Nebraska$60,460
5Wisconsin$60,310

Working as Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in New Jersey

Nationally, about 9,000 people work as Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare New Jersey pay ($35,630) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in New Jersey?
The median Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary in New Jersey is $35,630 per year, or about $17.13 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $34,840 at the entry level to $72,760 for the top 10% of earners.
How does New Jersey pay compare to the national average?
New Jersey pays Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic about 27% less than the national median of $49,030. New Jersey ranks 32nd out of 32 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is New Jersey a good state for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $35,630 a year. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in New Jersey?
The highest-paying occupations in New Jersey include Radiologist ($482,700), Surgeon, All Other ($437,890), Physician, Pathologists ($355,970), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.