Set up, operate, or tend forging machines to taper, shape, or form metal or plastic parts.
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
SOC: 51-4022 O*NET: 51-4022.00
Median Salary
$49,240
per year
Job Growth
📉 -18.9%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
0.6
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Set up, operate, or tend forging machines to taper, shape, or form metal or plastic parts.
What does a Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic do?
How much can you earn?
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$29,544
25th
$39,392
50th (Median)
$49,240
75th
$59,088
90th
$73,860
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- ✓Health Insurance
- ✓Dental Insurance
- ✓Vision Insurance
- ✓Mental Health Support
- ✓Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- ✓401(k) Retirement Plan
- ✓Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
- ✓Profit Sharing
- ✓Stock Options
- ✓Performance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- ✓Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
- ✓Paid Sick Leave
- ✓Flexible Work Arrangements
- ✓Remote Work Options
- ✓Parental Leave
Professional Development
- ✓Tuition Reimbursement
- ✓Professional Certifications
- ✓Conference Attendance
- ✓Training Programs
- ✓Mentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:8,800
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-18.9%
Annual Openings:600
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)8,800
Current
2034 (Projected)7,200
-18.9%
-1,700
Employment Change
-18.9%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Decline
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operations Monitoring
100%
#2
Monitoring
88%
#3
Reading Comprehension
76%
#4
Operation and Control
64%
#5
Active Listening
52%
#6
Time Management
40%
Skills Overview
Operations Monitoring
advanced5.0
100%
Monitoring
intermediate4.4
88%
Reading Comprehension
basic3.8
76%
Operation and Control
intermediate3.2
64%
Active Listening
basic2.6
52%
Time Management
basic2.0
40%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Operations Monitoring
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance88%
skills
4.4/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance76%
abilities
3.8/5.0
Operation and Control
intermediateImportance64%
abilities
3.2/5.0
Active Listening
basicImportance52%
skills
2.6/5.0
Time Management
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders83%
5 shared skills
Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders71%
5 shared skills
Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders71%
5 shared skills
Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers67%
4 shared skills
Crane and Tower Operators67%
5 shared skills
Recycling and Reclamation Workers67%
4 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Monitoring
Learn on the Job:
- →Active Listening
- →Operation and Control
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Monitoring
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Reading Comprehension
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Technology Intensity
Medium
Technology Stack
Technology stack information is being compiled for this career.
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
VERY HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet very high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What education is required?
Education Required
High school diploma or equivalent
Experience Required
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Job Training
Training of a few months to a year