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.

Also called: Blacksmith, Forge Operator, Forge Press Operator, Forger, Hammer Operator, Header Operator, Hot Press Forger, Machine Operator, Process Technician (Process Tech), Set Up Operator, Automatic Forging Machine Operator, Board Hammer Operator, Bolt Machine Operator, Drop Forge Operator, Drop Forger, Drop Hammer Set Up Operator, Drophammer Operator, Forge Tender, Forgesmith, Forging Die Setter, Forging Machine Operator, Forging Operator, Forging Press Operator, Forging Roll Operator, Header Machine Operator, Header Setup Operator, Heat Set Operator, Heavy Forger, Heavy Forging Machine Operator, Manufacturing Operator, Multi Operation Machine Operator, Plastic Molding Operator, Plastic Process Technician (Plastic Process Tech), Power Hammer Operator, Restrike Hammer Operator, Roller Machine Operator, Spring Forger, Steam Hammer Operator, Steel Shot Header Operator

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

Start machines to produce sample workpieces, and observe operations to detect machine malfunctions and to verify that machine setups conform to specifications.
Read work orders or blueprints to determine specified tolerances and sequences of operations for machine setup.
Confer with other workers about machine setups and operational specifications.
Measure and inspect machined parts to ensure conformance to product specifications.
Turn handles or knobs to set pressures and depths of ram strokes and to synchronize machine operations.
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.
Trim and compress finished forgings to specified tolerances.

Skills, machines and equipment

Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Equipment Maintenance
Quality Control Analysis
Coordination
Troubleshooting
Judgment and Decision Making

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) (82.44% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

O*NET Job Zone 2: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training. Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

42,440–60,130 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 51-4022.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Develop die setup, press troubleshooting, tooling, and process-control experience; explore senior setup or team-lead responsibilities.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) (82.44% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
O*NET Job Zone 2: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training. Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

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