All metal workers and plastic workers not listed separately.
Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other
SOC: 51-4199 O*NET: 51-4199.00
Median Salary
$45,950
per year
Job Growth
📉 -7.1%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
1.3
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Varies
Job Zone N/A
All metal workers and plastic workers not listed separately.
What does a Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$35,350
10th percentile
Early Career
$39,190
25th percentile
Median
$45,950
50th percentile
Experienced
$54,100
75th percentile
Top Earners
$65,510
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$35,350
25th
$39,190
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$45,950
Mean: $48,580
75th
$54,100
90th
$65,510
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $30,160 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $39,190 and $54,100
- •Salary spread is 32.4% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 15,900 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:16,300
Top Industries
Manufacturing66.8%
Plastics and Rubber Products Manufacturing20.6%
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing19.5%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-7.1%
Annual Openings:1,300
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)16,300
Current
2035 (Projected)15,100
-7.1%
-1,200
Employment Change
-7.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Decline
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 38 locations
California
1,970 jobs$47,3801.06x
Georgia
1,730 jobs$42,0303.46x
Texas
1,410 jobs$45,5600.98x
Tennessee
980 jobs$36,7702.92x
Pennsylvania
800 jobs$45,3501.29x
New Hampshire
790 jobs$47,83011.33x
Ohio
790 jobs$45,1801.40x
Oregon
570 jobs$49,5102.82x
Michigan
530 jobs$40,1101.18x
Maryland
510 jobs$50,2801.81x
Florida
490 jobs$36,0400.48x
North Carolina
470 jobs$45,1900.93x
Wisconsin
470 jobs$45,1001.56x
Colorado
400 jobs$52,4301.36x
South Carolina
400 jobs$46,4701.68x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other
Technology Intensity
Low
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires basic digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Email and internet usageBasic software navigationFile management
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
Varies
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
Varies
🤝
Customer Interaction
NONE
💡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 varies environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Trade Colleges That Train for Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
2.4k program completions/year
South Florida Institute of Technology
Miami, FL
1.4k program completions/year
Texas State Technical College
Waco, TX
1.4k program completions/year
Tulsa Welding School-Houston
Houston, TX
1.1k program completions/year
River Parishes Community College
Gonzales, LA
1.1k program completions/year
Tulsa Welding School-Jacksonville
Jacksonville, FL
1.1k program completions/year
Refrigeration School Inc
Phoenix, AZ
863 program completions/year
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Lexington, KY
789 program completions/year
Maysville Community and Technical College
Maysville, KY
776 program completions/year
Des Moines Area Community College
Ankeny, IA
685 program completions/year
Arclabs
Piedmont, SC
669 program completions/year
John C Calhoun State Community College
Tanner, AL
649 program completions/year
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