Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
SOC Code: 51-4022Also known as:
Air Table Operator, Anvil Seating Press Operator, Automatic Casting-Forging Machine Operator, Blacksmith, Board Hammer Operator
Median Annual Salary
$49,240
-18.9% growth (2024-2034)
600
Openings/Year
9K
Current Jobs
What Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic Do
Set up, operate, or tend forging machines to taper, shape, or form metal or plastic parts.
💰 Salary
$49,240
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-18.9%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
600
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
8,800
Projected Employment (2034)
7,200
Related Careers
Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$45,590 •
-12.1% growth
Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$48,620 •
-13.6% growth
Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$46,060 •
-0.5% growth
Tool and die makers
$63,180 •
-10.8% growth
Woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawing
$40,440 •
-1.8% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Monitoring
Operation and Control
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Read work orders or blueprints to determine specified tolerances and sequences of operations for machine setup.
- Position and move metal wires or workpieces through a series of dies that compress and shape stock to form die impressions.
- Measure and inspect machined parts to ensure conformance to product specifications.
- Set up, operate, or tend presses and forging machines to perform hot or cold forging by flattening, straightening, bending, cutting, piercing, or other operations to taper, shape, or form metal.
- Turn handles or knobs to set pressures and depths of ram strokes and to synchronize machine operations.
- Install, adjust, and remove dies, synchronizing cams, forging hammers, and stop guides, using overhead cranes or other hoisting devices, and hand tools.
- Start machines to produce sample workpieces, and observe operations to detect machine malfunctions and to verify that machine setups conform to specifications.
- Confer with other workers about machine setups and operational specifications.
- Trim and compress finished forgings to specified tolerances.
- Remove dies from machines when production runs are finished.
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic:
Machine Tool Technology/Machinist
3,539 degrees awarded •
248 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic make?
The median annual salary for forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $49,240.
What education do forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic need?
Most forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Machine Tool Technology/Machinist.
Is becoming a forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic a good career choice?
Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is projected to see -18.9% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 600 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Top colleges for aspiring forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic include
State Technical College of Missouri, Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee, Williamson College of the Trades, Michigan Career and Technical Institute, Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jacksboro.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic may also be known as: Air Table Operator, Anvil Seating Press Operator, Automatic Casting-Forging Machine Operator, Blacksmith, Board Hammer Operator, Bolt Machine Operator, Buckshot Swage Operator, Bulldozer Operator, Bulldozer Press Operator, Cage Maker, Charging Manipulator, Cold Header Operator, Die Forger, Die Holder, Die Machine Operator, Die Setter, Drop Count Associate, Drop Forge Hand, Drop Forge Operator, Drop Forger.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.