Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Colorado
Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders set up and run machines that heat, shape, and form metal or plastic into finished parts. They work in manufacturing facilities, foundries, and metalworking shops, monitoring machines, adjusting settings, and ensuring parts meet specifications In Colorado the median pay is $57,970 a year, 18% above the national median of $49,030.
$57,970median pay in Colorado, per year
$47,010–$62,480middle half earn
140employed in Colorado
$49,030U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training).
Skills that matter most
Operations MonitoringOperation and ControlMonitoringReading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingEquipment Maintenance
Knowledge areas
Production and ProcessingMechanicalMathematics (knowledge)
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic.
Licenses and training in Colorado
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay in other states
Oregon · $69,210Oklahoma · $61,720Michigan · $61,620Nebraska · $60,460Wisconsin · $60,310California · $59,250Ohio · $56,870New York · $56,350Missouri · $55,210Virginia · $54,230
Related occupations
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticRolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticCutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticDrilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticGrinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticLathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticMilling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticMachinists
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-4022.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Colorado, annual.