Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
SOC Code: 51-4022
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics read work orders or blueprints to determine specified tolerances and sequences of operations for machine setup. This career typically requires moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year). With an AI-proof score of 75.5/100, this role has high resilience to automation. Key skills include Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Monitoring.
AI-Proof Score: 75.5 — High
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Median Salary
$49,240
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Job Growth
-18.9%
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Training Time
Moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year)
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Job Zone
Zone 2 / 5
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Training Cost
~$5,000
Key Skills
- •Operations Monitoring
- •Operation and Control
- •Monitoring
- •Active Listening
- •Reading Comprehension
- •Time Management
Common Tasks
- ✓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.
Training & Resources
Why AI-Proof?
- ✅Requires hands-on physical presence and dexterity
- ✅Demands human empathy, judgment, and trust
- ✅Operates in unpredictable, variable environments
- ✅Social and regulatory barriers to full automation