Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: Salary, Education, and Career Path (2026)
The U.S. has 8,760 forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics, and they earn a median of $49,240/year. The range runs from $35K to $70K. New Jersey pays the most.
What it takes
The BLS lists the typical education for this role as varies by employer.
Entry-level forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics start around $35K. The gap between that and the median ($49K) is where experience, certifications, and location make the difference.
Top earners clear $70K, but that's the 90th percentile. Getting there usually takes a decade or more of experience, the right credentials, and being in a high-paying market.
Salary progression
Highest paying states
| State | Median salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $64K | 90 |
| Massachusetts | $61K | 250 |
| Kentucky | $60K | 860 |
| Nebraska | $59K | 190 |
| California | $58K | 480 |
| Oklahoma | $56K | N/A |
| New York | $53K | 160 |
| Virginia | $53K | 310 |
| Oregon | $52K | N/A |
| Wisconsin | $52K | 80 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic make?▼
The median forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic salary in the United States is $49,240 per year ($24/hour). Entry-level positions start around $35,150, while experienced professionals earn up to $69,540.
What education do you need to become a forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?▼
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education as varies by employer. State licensing or certification requirements vary, so check your state's board for specifics.
What is the job outlook for forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics.
What are the highest paying states for forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics?▼
The highest paying states for forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics are New Jersey ($63,630), Massachusetts ($60,540), Kentucky ($59,700), Nebraska ($58,560), California ($57,620). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.