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

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

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

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$43,810
Median Annual Salary
▲ +21.7% vs 2024
$44,810
Mean Salary
$43,810
Median Salary
$21.06
Hourly Rate
1,140 people work as Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tennessee

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

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 Tennessee — 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 Tennessee.10thBottom 10% earn less than $37,140$37,14025th25% earn less than $39,090$39,090MedianHalf earn more than $43,810$43,81075th75% earn less than $46,990$46,99090thTop 10% earn more than $59,200$59,200

Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tennessee earn a median salary of $43,810 per year ($3,650/month). This is 12.2% below the national average of $49,908. Tennessee ranks #25 out of 32 states for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay. Approximately 1,140 people work in this occupation across Tennessee. Salaries increased by 21.7% 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 Tennessee

Salaries for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tennessee range from $37,140 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $59,200 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $39,090 and $46,990.

Median $43,810
P10: $37,140 P25: $39,090 P75: $46,990 P90: $59,200
10th
$37,140
25th
$39,090
Median
$43,810
75th
$46,990
90th
$59,200
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $37,140 $17.86 $3,095
25th Percentile $39,090 $18.79 $3,257
Median (50th) $43,810 $21.06 $3,650
75th Percentile $46,990 $22.59 $3,915
90th Percentile (Experienced) $59,200 $28.46 $4,933

Note: The mean (average) salary of $44,810 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#25
Tennessee ranks #25 of 32 states
$49,908
National avg. for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
-12.2%
vs. national average
Below Average

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

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

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 Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tennessee is $43,810 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $44,810.
What is the salary range for a Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tennessee?
Salaries for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tennessee range from $37,140 at the 10th percentile to $59,200 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $39,090 and $46,990.
What is the starting salary for a Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tennessee?
Entry-level Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic positions in Tennessee typically start around $37,140 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $39,090 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tennessee?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,140 people are employed as Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tennessee.
What is the hourly rate for a Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee is approximately $21.06 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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