Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Set up, operate, or tend forging machines to taper, shape, or form metal or plastic parts.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic to decrease by -17.2% between 2024 and 2034, from 8,900 to 7,400 jobs. Its estimate of 600 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($49,030), education (High school diploma or equivalent), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
8,900
Projected employment (2034)
7,400
Projected change (2024–2034)
-17%
Annual openings (projected average)
600
Pay & Preparation
$49,030
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Operations Monitoring (3.38/5) • Operation and Control (3.25/5) • Monitoring (3.12/5) • Critical Thinking (2.88/5) • Reading Comprehension (2.88/5) • Active Listening (2.88/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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