Skip to content
AffordMap
Production & Manufacturing · Tennessee

How to Become a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tennessee

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics in Tennessee earn a median salary of $44,080/year, which is 3% below the national average. Tennessee has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic takes home approximately $1,709/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$44K
Median salary in Tennessee
-3%
vs. national average
None
State income tax
5,910
Employed in Tennessee

What a cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic can afford in Tennessee

Gross annual salary$44,080
Est. monthly take-home (no state tax)$3,121/mo
Median 2BR rent (Tennessee)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home45.2% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$44,080/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,709/mo

Becoming a cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic in Tennessee

1

Meet education requirements

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic positions in Tennessee typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Tennessee. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic positions in Tennessee require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Tennessee licensure or certification

Tennessee may require specific licensing or professional certification for cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics. Requirements vary by state — contact the Tennessee Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Tennessee

Tennessee employs 5,910 cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics. The highest concentrations are in Knoxville and Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin.

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary by metro area in Tennessee

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Knoxville$47K$22.66/hr740
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin$46K$22.11/hr1,310
Clarksville$44K$21.19/hr270
Chattanooga$44K$21.17/hr430
Kingsport-Bristol$42K$19.97/hr330
Jackson$41K$19.65/hr380
Memphis$40K$19.02/hr500
Cleveland$39K$18.9/hr60
Morristown$39K$18.61/hr350
Johnson City$38K$18.49/hr150

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary range in Tennessee

10th percentile (entry)
$33K
25th percentile
$37K
Median (50th)
$44K
75th percentile
$48K
90th percentile (senior)
$52K
View jobs for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Currently hiring in Tennessee
View →
More openings for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Currently hiring in Tennessee
View →
Find accredited trade programs
Apprenticeship and certification paths
View →
Full cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic salary breakdown in Tennessee
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in Tennessee
No state income tax!
Calculate →
Compare Tennessee cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic make in Tennessee?

The median cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic salary in Tennessee is $44,080 per year ($21.19/hr). This is 3% below the national median of $45,590. Salaries range from $32,660 to $52,400.

What are the requirements to become a cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic in Tennessee?

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic positions in Tennessee typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Tennessee may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Tennessee licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic afford to live in Tennessee?

At the median salary of $44,080, a cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic in Tennessee would take home approximately $3,121/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 45.2% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics in Tennessee?

The highest paying metro areas for cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics in Tennessee are Knoxville ($47,130), Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin ($45,990), Clarksville ($44,080). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Tennessee have state income tax for cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics?

No, Tennessee does not have a state income tax. This means cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.