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

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Virginia Median
$54,230
per year
Hourly Rate
$26.07
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+11% vs US median
US median $49,030
State Rank
#11 of 32
560 employed here

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

Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Virginia take home a median of $54,230 annually — roughly $26.07 an hour — which runs 11% above the national median of $49,030.

Within Virginia, entry-level pay starts around $47,740 while the top 10% make $59,930 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $48,130 and $55,740 a year.

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

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$47,740$22.95
25th percentile (early career)$48,130$23.14
50th percentile (median)$54,230$26.07
75th percentile (experienced)$55,740$26.80
90th percentile (top earners)$59,930$28.81

How Virginia compares

Virginia ranks 11th 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 Virginia

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 Virginia pay ($54,230) 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 Virginia?
The median Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary in Virginia is $54,230 per year, or about $26.07 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $47,740 at the entry level to $59,930 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Virginia pay compare to the national average?
Virginia pays Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic about 11% more than the national median of $49,030. Virginia ranks 11th out of 32 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Virginia a good state for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Yes on pay — Virginia pays above the national median for this occupation, at $54,230 a year. About 560 Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are employed in Virginia. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Virginia?
The highest-paying occupations in Virginia include Anesthesiologist ($488,310), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($478,710), Cardiologist ($461,450), 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.