Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
SOC Code: 51-4022
Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic carries a 27% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $49,240 and -18.9% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 8,800 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic (SOC 51-4022) carries an AI exposure score of 27%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 8,800 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -18.9% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $49,240, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Read work orders or blueprints to determine specified tolerances and sequences of operations for machine setup.
- 2. Position and move metal wires or workpieces through a series of dies that compress and shape stock to form die impressions.
- 3. Measure and inspect machined parts to ensure conformance to product specifications.
- 4. Set up, operate, or tend presses and forging machines to perform hot or cold forging by flattening, straightening, bending, cutting, piercing, or other operations to taper, shape, or form metal.
- 5. Turn handles or knobs to set pressures and depths of ram strokes and to synchronize machine operations.
- 6. Install, adjust, and remove dies, synchronizing cams, forging hammers, and stop guides, using overhead cranes or other hoisting devices, and hand tools.
- 7. Start machines to produce sample workpieces, and observe operations to detect machine malfunctions and to verify that machine setups conform to specifications.
- 8. Confer with other workers about machine setups and operational specifications.
- 9. Trim and compress finished forgings to specified tolerances.
- 10. Remove dies from machines when production runs are finished.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Time Management
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Troubleshooting
Knowledge Areas
- Production and Processing
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
- Mechanical
- Engineering and Technology
- Design
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic has an AI exposure score of 27%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is projected to decline by 18.9% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 8,800 workers.
What skills are needed for Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Key skills for Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic include Operations Monitoring, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic earn?
The median annual wage for Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $49,240, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
The typical entry-level education for Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).