Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Learn more
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$59,250
Median Annual Salary
▲
+2.8% vs 2024
$61,470
Mean Salary
$59,250
Median Salary
$28.49
Hourly Rate
750 people work as Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California earn a median salary of $59,250 per year ($4,937/month).
This is 18.7% above the national average of $49,908.
California ranks #6 out of 32 states for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay.
Approximately 750 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 2.8% compared to 2024.
About This Job: 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.
Top Skills
Operations Monitoring
3.25
Reading Comprehension
3.12
Active Listening
3.12
Monitoring
3.12
Operation and Control
3.12
Key Knowledge Areas
Production and Processing
4.16
Mathematics
3.64
Education and Training
3.58
Mechanical
3.48
Engineering and Technology
3.24
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(82.3% of workers)
Salary Range: Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California
Salaries for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California range from $43,390 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $81,730 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $45,850 and $78,240.
Median $59,250
P10: $43,390P25: $45,850P75: $78,240P90: $81,730
10th
$43,390
25th
$45,850
Median
$59,250
75th
$78,240
90th
$81,730
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$43,390
$20.86
$3,615
25th Percentile
$45,850
$22.04
$3,820
Median (50th)
$59,250
$28.49
$4,937
75th Percentile
$78,240
$37.62
$6,520
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$81,730
$39.29
$6,810
Note: The mean (average) salary of $61,470 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#6
California ranks #6 of 32 states
$49,908
National avg. for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
How much do Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in California?
The median annual salary for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California is $59,250 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $61,470.
What is the salary range for a Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California?
Salaries for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California range from $43,390 at the 10th percentile to $81,730 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $45,850 and $78,240.
What is the starting salary for a Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California?
Entry-level Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic positions in California typically start around $43,390 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $45,850 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 750 people are employed as Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California is approximately $28.49 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
We use cookies to improve your experience, analyze site traffic, and serve relevant ads.
You can choose which categories to allow. For details, see our
Privacy Policy and
Cookie List.