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Production & Manufacturing · Tennessee

How to Become a Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tennessee

Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics in Tennessee earn a median salary of $36,000/year, which is 27% below the national average. Tennessee has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic takes home approximately $1,168/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$36K
Median salary in Tennessee
-27%
vs. national average
None
State income tax
660
Employed in Tennessee

What a forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic can afford in Tennessee

Gross annual salary$36,000
Est. monthly take-home (no state tax)$2,580/mo
Median 2BR rent (Tennessee)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home54.7% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$36,000/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,168/mo

Becoming a forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic in Tennessee

1

Meet education requirements

Forging 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 forging 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 forging 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 660 forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics. The highest concentrations are in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin and Johnson City.

Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary by metro area in Tennessee

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin$38K$18.38/hr110
Johnson City$34K$16.43/hr70
Kingsport-Bristol$30K$14.52/hr80

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

10th percentile (entry)
$31K
25th percentile
$33K
Median (50th)
$36K
75th percentile
$45K
90th percentile (senior)
$58K
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Frequently asked questions

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

The median forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic salary in Tennessee is $36,000 per year ($17.31/hr). This is 27% below the national median of $49,240. Salaries range from $30,710 to $58,180.

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

Forging 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 forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic afford to live in Tennessee?

At the median salary of $36,000, a forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic in Tennessee would take home approximately $2,580/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 54.7% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

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

The highest paying metro areas for forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics in Tennessee are Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin ($38,220), Johnson City ($34,180), Kingsport-Bristol ($30,210). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

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

No, Tennessee does not have a state income tax. This means forging 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.