Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Using precise hand and finger movements to control tools, equipment, or materials.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Metal and plastic workers typically need a high school diploma to enter the occupation and receive 1 year of on-the-job training. Computer numerically controlled (CNC) tool programmers typically need postsecondary training. PayThe median annual wage for metal and plastic machine workers was $47,700 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of metal and plastic machine workers is projected to decline 7 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 78,100 openings for metal and plastic machine workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for metal and plastic machine workers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of metal and plastic machine workers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about metal and plastic machine workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for metal and plastic machine workers was $47,700 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of metal and plastic machine workers is projected to decline 7 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 78,100 openings for metal and plastic machine workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for metal and plastic machine workers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of metal and plastic machine workers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about metal and plastic machine workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of metal and plastic machine workers is projected to decline 7 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 78,100 openings for metal and plastic machine workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for metal and plastic machine workers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of metal and plastic machine workers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about metal and plastic machine workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate equipment that cuts, shapes, and forms metal and plastic materials or pieces.
Work Environment
Metal and plastic machine workers are employed mainly in factories. Workers must adhere to safety standards to protect themselves from workplace hazards. Most work full time, which for some includes evenings and weekends.
How to Become a Metal or Plastic Machine Worker
Metal and plastic workers typically need a high school diploma to enter the occupation and receive 1 year of on-the-job training. Computer numerically controlled (CNC) tool programmers typically need postsecondary training.
Pay
The median annual wage for metal and plastic machine workers was $47,700 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of metal and plastic machine workers is projected to decline 7 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 78,100 openings for metal and plastic machine workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for metal and plastic machine workers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of metal and plastic machine workers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about metal and plastic machine workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Metal and plastic machine workers are employed mainly in factories. Workers must adhere to safety standards to protect themselves from workplace hazards. Most work full time, which for some includes evenings and weekends.
How to Become a Metal or Plastic Machine Worker
Metal and plastic workers typically need a high school diploma to enter the occupation and receive 1 year of on-the-job training. Computer numerically controlled (CNC) tool programmers typically need postsecondary training.
Pay
The median annual wage for metal and plastic machine workers was $47,700 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of metal and plastic machine workers is projected to decline 7 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 78,100 openings for metal and plastic machine workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for metal and plastic machine workers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of metal and plastic machine workers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about metal and plastic machine workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for metal and plastic machine workers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of metal and plastic machine workers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about metal and plastic machine workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about metal and plastic machine workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.