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Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: Entry-Level vs Senior Salary in West Virginia (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How does Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary grow from entry-level to senior in West Virginia? State salary progression based on 2025 BLS data.

90% career growth potential

Data: BLS OEWS 2025 • West Virginia salary data • Updated 2026-05-19

Entry-Level (P10)
$33,320
$2,777/mo
Mid-Career (Median)
$37,390
$3,116/mo
Senior (P90)
$63,200
$5,267/mo

West Virginia vs National Average

Entry-Level (P10)
$33,320
National: $40,647
-18.0%
Mid-Career (Median)
$37,390
National: $49,908
-25.1%
Senior (P90)
$63,200
National: $65,726
-3.8%

Salary Progression: Entry-Level to Senior

The salary range for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in West Virginia spans from $33,320 at entry-level to $63,200 at senior level — a difference of $29,880 per year.

P10
$33K
P25
$34K
Median
$37K
P75
$46K
P90
$63K

Career Growth Premium: +90%

Senior Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics in West Virginia earn $29,880 more per year than entry-level professionals.

Annual Difference
+$29,880
Monthly Difference
+$2,490
Hourly Difference
+$14.37
Growth Multiple
1.9x

Detailed Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

Complete percentile breakdown showing how Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary increases with experience in West Virginia, from entry-level (10th percentile) to senior (90th percentile).

Experience Level Percentile Annual Salary Monthly Hourly
Entry-Level P10 $33,320 $2,777 $16.02
Early Career P25 $34,880 $2,907 $16.77
Mid-Career Median $37,390 $3,116 $17.98
Experienced P75 $46,700 $3,892 $22.45
Senior / Expert P90 $63,200 $5,267 $30.38
Key Insight

Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in West Virginia has a moderate salary progression with a 90% growth from entry-level ($33,320) to senior ($63,200). While the growth potential is steady, professionals looking to maximize earnings may benefit from specialization, advanced certifications, or gaining experience in higher-paying states. The gap between median ($37,390) and P90 ($63,200) shows there is still room for meaningful growth beyond mid-career.

How West Virginia Compares to Other States

Where does West Virginia rank for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic senior-level salaries? Compare West Virginia's P90 pay to other top-paying states.

1
$92,490
Entry: $27K
+242%
2
$89,420
Entry: $52K
+71%
3
$89,400
Entry: $39K
+128%
4
$81,730
Entry: $43K
+88%
5
$78,620
Entry: $36K
+113%
6
$72,760
Entry: $34K
+109%
7
$71,490
Entry: $42K
+67%
8
$71,320
Entry: $38K
+85%
9
$69,100
Entry: $41K
+65%
10
$68,730
Entry: $40K
+68%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the entry-level salary for a Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?

Entry-level Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics (10th percentile) earn approximately $33,320 per year, or $2,776 per month. Early-career professionals (25th percentile) earn around $34,880. Based on 2025 BLS OEWS data across all U.S. states.

How much does a senior Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make?

Senior Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics (90th percentile) earn approximately $63,200 per year. Experienced professionals (75th percentile) earn around $46,700. This represents a career premium of 90% over entry-level pay.

What is the salary growth potential for a Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?

The career salary growth potential for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics is 90%. Entry-level professionals start at $33,320, while senior-level can earn up to $63,200 — a difference of $29,880 per year.

Which state pays the highest salary for senior Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?

The highest-paying state for senior Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics is West Virginia, where 90th-percentile salaries reach $63,200 per year. See the full state-by-state comparison above.

How are entry-level and senior Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salaries determined?

We use BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) 2025 data. The 10th percentile (P10) approximates entry-level pay — the salary that 90% of workers earn more than. The 90th percentile (P90) approximates senior/expert-level pay — only 10% of workers earn above this threshold. National averages are computed across all reporting U.S. states.

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About This Data

Salary percentile data for West Virginia from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. P10 approximates entry-level compensation; P90 approximates senior/expert-level compensation. State averages differ from national averages due to regional variations in cost of living, demand, and workforce composition. Actual salaries vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and specific location within West Virginia.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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