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

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

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

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$36,110
Median Annual Salary
▼ -39.5% vs 2024
$40,810
Mean Salary
$36,110
Median Salary
$17.36
Hourly Rate

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

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 Kentucky — 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 Kentucky.10thBottom 10% earn less than $32,460$32,46025th25% earn less than $34,850$34,850MedianHalf earn more than $36,110$36,11075th75% earn less than $44,720$44,72090thTop 10% earn more than $59,590$59,590

Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Kentucky earn a median salary of $36,110 per year ($3,009/month). This is 27.6% below the national average of $49,908. Kentucky ranks #31 out of 32 states for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay. Salaries decreased by 39.5% 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 Kentucky

Salaries for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Kentucky range from $32,460 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $59,590 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $34,850 and $44,720.

Median $36,110
P10: $32,460 P25: $34,850 P75: $44,720 P90: $59,590
10th
$32,460
25th
$34,850
Median
$36,110
75th
$44,720
90th
$59,590
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $32,460 $15.61 $2,705
25th Percentile $34,850 $16.75 $2,904
Median (50th) $36,110 $17.36 $3,009
75th Percentile $44,720 $21.50 $3,726
90th Percentile (Experienced) $59,590 $28.65 $4,965

Note: The mean (average) salary of $40,810 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#31
Kentucky ranks #31 of 32 states
$49,908
National avg. for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
-27.6%
vs. national average
Below Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in Kentucky:

What does this salary really buy? See Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary in Kentucky 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 Kentucky after taxes →

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

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 Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Kentucky is $36,110 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $40,810.
What is the salary range for a Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Kentucky?
Salaries for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Kentucky range from $32,460 at the 10th percentile to $59,590 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $34,850 and $44,720.
What is the starting salary for a Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Kentucky?
Entry-level Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic positions in Kentucky typically start around $32,460 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $34,850 (25th percentile).
What is the hourly rate for a Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Kentucky?
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 Kentucky is approximately $17.36 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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