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Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary in Iowa

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in Iowa?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$47,010
Median Annual Salary
▲ +3.5% vs 2024
$48,280
Mean Salary
$47,010
Median Salary
$22.60
Hourly Rate

Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary by percentile in Iowa

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary in Iowa — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Iowa.10thBottom 10% earn less than $45,770$45,77025th25% earn less than $46,120$46,120MedianHalf earn more than $47,010$47,01075th75% earn less than $49,040$49,04090thTop 10% earn more than $58,180$58,180

Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Iowa earn a median salary of $47,010 per year ($3,917/month). This is 5.8% below the national average of $49,908. Iowa ranks #20 out of 32 states for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay. Salaries increased by 3.5% 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)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Iowa

Salaries for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Iowa range from $45,770 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $58,180 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $46,120 and $49,040.

Median $47,010
P10: $45,770 P25: $46,120 P75: $49,040 P90: $58,180
10th
$45,770
25th
$46,120
Median
$47,010
75th
$49,040
90th
$58,180
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $45,770 $22.00 $3,814
25th Percentile $46,120 $22.17 $3,843
Median (50th) $47,010 $22.60 $3,917
75th Percentile $49,040 $23.58 $4,086
90th Percentile (Experienced) $58,180 $27.97 $4,848

Note: The mean (average) salary of $48,280 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#20
Iowa ranks #20 of 32 states
$49,908
National avg. for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
-5.8%
vs. national average
Below Average

What does this salary really buy? See Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary in Iowa adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic take-home pay in Iowa after taxes →

Explore Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Data in Iowa

Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary by State

Compare Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in Iowa?
The median annual salary for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Iowa is $47,010 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $48,280.
What is the salary range for a Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Iowa?
Salaries for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Iowa range from $45,770 at the 10th percentile to $58,180 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $46,120 and $49,040.
What is the starting salary for a Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Iowa?
Entry-level Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic positions in Iowa typically start around $45,770 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $46,120 (25th percentile).
What is the hourly rate for a Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Iowa?
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 Iowa is approximately $22.60 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

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.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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