Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other
Metal workers and plastic workers in this category perform specialized fabrication, assembly, and finishing tasks that don't fit into more specific job classifications. They work in manufacturing facilities, fabrication shops, and industrial plants, using hand tools, machinery, and industrial equipment to shape, join, and finish metal and plastic materials into finished products or components.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against metal workers and plastic workers, all other and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves operating machinery to cut, bend, weld, or mold metal and plastic materials according to specifications. Workers measure and mark materials, set up equipment, monitor production runs, and perform quality checks. Tasks may include assembling components, finishing surfaces, packaging products, and maintaining work areas. Problem-solving and equipment adjustments occur as needed to meet production standards and deadlines.
Who this work suits
You work well in this role if you're detail-oriented and comfortable with hands-on technical tasks. People who succeed here tend to be reliable, adaptable to different production needs, and capable of following specifications precisely while working independently or as part of a production team.
What it takes
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- MOBILE EQUIPMENT METAL WORKER (T32) · Army National Guard Units · Cullman, Alabama · $28.84–$33.64
- Sheet Metal Worker Supervisor (Sheet Metal Worker Foreman) · Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · El Reno, Oklahoma · $35.35–$41.21
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $62,400 | $78,000 | $90,830 | 30 |
| Washington | $48,720 | $65,760 | $106,640 | 360 |
| Oklahoma | $44,210 | $65,040 | $68,140 | 180 |
| Kentucky | $59,000 | $61,320 | $67,080 | 200 |
| New York | $52,610 | $60,740 | $74,010 | 150 |
| Montana | $34,360 | $56,740 | $60,650 | 110 |
| Utah | $38,680 | $54,940 | $56,820 | 30 |
| Indiana | $46,020 | $54,890 | $64,630 | 250 |
| Alabama | $43,250 | $54,360 | $58,610 | 80 |
| New Mexico | $46,210 | $53,080 | $61,040 | 40 |
| Colorado | $46,660 | $52,430 | $57,790 | 400 |
| Minnesota | $47,780 | $51,990 | $60,500 | 110 |
All 38 states
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against metal workers and plastic workers, all other and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-4199.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.