How much do Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make?
The median pay for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in the United States is $49,030 per year — about $23.57 per hour. Entry-level positions start near $36,800, while the most experienced professionals in the top 10% earn $68,720.
That is $12,360 less than the median across all occupations in BLS data ($61,390).
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary range by percentile
Half of all Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn between $42,440 and $60,130 a year.
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $36,800 | $17.69 | |
| 25th percentile (early career) | $42,440 | $20.40 | |
| 50th percentile (median) | $49,030 | $23.57 | |
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $60,130 | $28.91 | |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $68,720 | $33.04 |
Highest-paying states for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Where you work matters more than almost anything else. Oregon leads the country for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay at $69,210 a year, followed by Oklahoma ($61,720) and Michigan ($61,620). At the other end, New Jersey posts the lowest median at $35,630 — a gap of $33,580 for the same job, driven by local demand, industry mix, and cost of living.
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary in every state
Official BLS state-level figures across 32 states and territories. Click a state for the full local breakdown.
Workforce and education
About 9,000 people work as Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in the United States. The mean (average) wage is $51,680 — above the median, which means high earners pull the average up. On qualifications: a high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job, per O*NET occupation data.
Frequently asked questions
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