What is the salary of a Forging Machine Setter, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?

The typical salary range is $34,468 - $68,936 per year.

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Supply Chain & ProductionDeclining

Forging Machine Setter, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Q: What does a Forging Machine Setter, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic do?

Set up, operate, or tend forging machines to taper, shape, or form metal or plastic parts.

Operational-level

Also known as: Air Table Operator, Anvil Seating Press Operator, Automatic Casting-Forging Machine Operator, Blacksmith

Supply Chain & ProductionBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a Forging Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender, you set up and run machines that shape metal or plastic parts. You'll work with your hands, operating controls and making repetitive motions while wearing safety gear like glasses and gloves. You'll often stand for long periods and discuss plans with teammates. This job suits someone who pays close attention to detail, can follow instructions, and has strong math skills.

ForgingMetal FormingMachine OperationPlastic ManufacturingManufacturingIndustrial TechnologyMechanical EngineeringSkilled TradeProduction

A Day in the Life

You step into the brisk morning air, making your way into the bustling metal fabrication plant. The scent of hot metal and machine oil hangs subtly. First, you head to the locker room to change into your work clothes and pull on your steel-toed boots, safety glasses, earplugs, and sturdy gloves. You check the digital production schedule on the wall monitor, noting the shift’s target for automotive brackets. Reviewing the job specifications, you mentally prepare for the precise work ahead.

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

-17.2%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

600

per year (US)

Jobs today

8,900

in 2025 → 7,400 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

Low

Working in a team

Moderate

Contact with others

Moderate

Freedom to make decisions

High

Time pressure

High

Time spent sitting

Low

Working outdoors

Low

Indoor, climate-controlled

Moderate

Dealing with customers

Low

Level of competition

Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Declining Job Market

The job outlook for this career is declining through 2035, with a projected employment change of -17.2%. However, there are still about 600 job openings each year, and the median annual wage is $49,030. Many people start in entry-level roles and can advance to supervisory positions or specialize in quality control or industrial engineering.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Production Machine Operator
Material Handler
Industrial Assistant Operator

Forging Machine Setter, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Where it can lead

Production Supervisor
Quality Control Inspector
Industrial Engineering Technician

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will increasingly integrate into forging operations through automation and predictive maintenance, optimizing machine performance and identifying potential defects. While some tasks may be automated, the need for human oversight in setting up complex machines, quality control, and troubleshooting will remain crucial. The role will evolve to focus more on managing intelligent systems, interpreting data, and ensuring precise execution.

Salary

$49,030

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position