Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic

Is Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic a Good Career?

Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic (51-4031) work in a field with a sizable national footprint and a clear skill profile. With national employment of 175,000, this occupation represents a substantial segment of hands-on, mechanically focused work. The role typically draws on mechanical ability, fine motor skills, physical strength and stamina, and strong attention to detail, supported by mathematics, science, and problem-solving strengths. Nationally, the median annual salary is $45,590, with higher median pay reported in several states and metro areas. While projected employment growth is -12.1%, there are still an estimated 14,000 annual openings, reflecting ongoing movement and replacement needs in the workforce. For people who prefer working with machines, applying critical and analytical thinking, and using both physical and mental skills on the job, this career can offer stable, skills-based employment in many parts of the country, especially in states and metros with higher opportunity scores. SalaryAnalysis Nationally, cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic earn a median annual salary of $45,590. Pay levels vary by location, with several states and metro areas offering higher median wages. Among the top states by CareerGPS opportunity score, Washington shows a median salary of $51,160 and Colorado $50,790, both above the national median. California’s median of $48,450 and New York’s $46,930 also exceed the national figure, while Massachusetts is close at $45,760. At the metro level, the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area reports a median salary of $58,580, the highest among the listed metros. Other metros such as San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA ($49,040), Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH ($48,080), and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ ($47,360) also show median pay above or near the national median. These differences suggest that geographic choice can significantly influence earning potential within this occupation. OutlookAnalysis This occupation employs about 175,000 workers nationally, indicating a large existing workforce. The projected employment growth rate is -12.1%, signaling a decline in overall employment over the projection period. Even with this negative growth, there are an estimated 14,000 annual openings. These openings can reflect retirements, job changes, and other forms of turnover that create opportunities for new or transitioning workers. The combination of a sizable current workforce, negative projected growth, and continued annual openings means that job seekers may find positions as existing workers leave or move into other roles. However, the overall number of jobs in the occupation is expected to decrease over time. People considering this path should weigh the available openings against the longer-term trend of declining employment, and pay close attention to locations that show stronger opportunity scores and salaries if geographic mobility is an option. LocationAnalysis Location makes a meaningful difference for this occupation, both in pay and in measured opportunity. Among states, California holds the highest CareerGPS opportunity score at 67.38, with a median salary of $48,450 and employment of 7,710. Massachusetts and New York follow with opportunity scores of 65.87 and 65.78, and median salaries of $45,760 and $46,930, respectively. Washington and Colorado also stand out, offering median wages around or above $50,000 and opportunity scores in the mid-50s. All listed states share the same projected growth rate of -12.1%, so differences in opportunity are more closely tied to current employment levels, pay, and overall scores. At the metro level, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA has an especially strong opportunity score of 77.42 and the highest listed median salary at $58,580. The New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ area also has a high opportunity score of 77.27 with employment of 2,400. Other metros such as San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA; Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV; and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH offer moderate to strong scores and median salaries near or above the national median. These patterns suggest that targeting higher-score states and metros can improve both pay and opportunity prospects. EducationAnalysis The typical education requirement for cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is a high school diploma or equivalent. This makes the occupation accessible to individuals who complete secondary education and want to move directly into a hands-on, technically oriented role. Success in this field is closely tied to the listed skill profile. Mechanical and fine motor skills support working effectively with machines and parts, while physical strength and stamina help with the physical aspects of the job. Being detail oriented is important, as is having a foundation in mathematics and science. Problem solving, decision making, and critical and analytical thinking are key for addressing issues as they arise. Writing and reading skills also matter for understanding instructions, documenting work, and communicating with supervisors and coworkers. Together, these skills complement the high school-level educational foundation and can help workers grow and adapt within the occupation.