Occupation · SOC 51-4022
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Set up, operate, or tend forging machines to taper, shape, or form metal or plastic parts.
Median wage
$49,240
$35,150–$69,540
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
8,760
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
210 mapped
Core skills
Operations MonitoringReading ComprehensionOperation and ControlMonitoringActive ListeningTime ManagementTroubleshootingSpeakingSocial PerceptivenessQuality Control AnalysisCritical ThinkingWritingJudgment and Decision MakingEquipment MaintenanceCoordinationComplex Problem SolvingRepairingPersuasionManagement of Personnel ResourcesLearning StrategiesActive LearningNegotiationInstructingService OrientationMathematicsSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisEquipment SelectionTechnology DesignOperations AnalysisInstallationManagement of Material ResourcesScienceManagement of Financial ResourcesProgramming
Knowledge areas
Production and ProcessingMathematicsEducation and TrainingMechanicalEngineering and TechnologyDesignEnglish LanguageComputers and ElectronicsAdministration and ManagementCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministrativeTransportationChemistryPublic Safety and SecurityPhysicsSales and MarketingBuilding and ConstructionPersonnel and Human ResourcesCommunications and MediaLaw and GovernmentPsychologyEconomics and AccountingFood ProductionTherapy and CounselingTelecommunicationsForeign LanguageMedicine and DentistryHistory and ArcheologySociology and AnthropologyFine ArtsBiologyPhilosophy and TheologyGeography
Technology & tools
Email softwareInventory tracking softwareMachine control software
Representative tasks
Controlling Machines and ProcessesGetting InformationHandling and Moving ObjectsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeTraining and Teaching OthersOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkDocumenting/Recording InformationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsWorking with ComputersProcessing InformationCoaching and Developing OthersInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsAnalyzing Data or InformationEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersScheduling Work and ActivitiesGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesAssisting and Caring for OthersDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesSelling or Influencing OthersCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationStaffing Organizational Units
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Work orders and basic blueprints — read and interpret under direct supervision to identify specified tolerances and operation sequences on the shop floor.Metal workpieces and wire stock — position and feed through die stations following step-by-step direction from a lead operator.Hand tools and basic gauges — select and use under supervision to perform initial inspections of forged parts against product specifications.Press and forging machine controls — identify and operate basic functions, including starting and stopping, under close guidance on the production line.Ram stroke handles and pressure knobs — adjust to preset values following written setup instructions provided by a senior operator.Machine malfunctions and irregular sounds — recognize and report immediately to a supervisor during monitored production runs.Dies and stop guides — observe and assist during installation and removal procedures, learning the use of hand tools and hoisting devices.Sample workpieces — produce under supervision and compare against specification sheets to confirm basic setup accuracy.Verbal instructions from co-workers and leads — listen actively and confirm understanding before executing machine setup or operational changes.Production and processing terminology — apply foundational knowledge to follow daily work orders and communicate basic status updates on the line.
developing
Work orders and engineering blueprints — read and interpret independently to determine operation sequences and tolerance requirements for routine machine setups.Metal wires and workpieces — position and advance through multiple die impressions with consistent accuracy, adjusting placement as needed in familiar forging contexts.Calipers, micrometers, and gauges — use routinely to measure and inspect machined parts and document conformance to product specifications.Hot and cold forging presses — set up, operate, and tend to perform flattening, bending, cutting, and piercing operations with reduced oversight.Ram stroke depth and machine synchronization settings — turn and calibrate knobs and handles to achieve specified pressure and timing profiles.Dies, synchronizing cams, and stop guides — install, adjust, and remove using overhead cranes and hand tools, following established safety procedures.Production runs and sample workpieces — monitor operations continuously, identifying minor malfunctions and making corrective adjustments before defects propagate.Operational specifications and setup parameters — discuss and confirm with co-workers and leads to coordinate smooth shift transitions and machine changeovers.Inventory management software — use to track die usage and consumable stock levels, flagging replenishment needs to the appropriate team member.Time and workflow priorities — manage personal production schedule to meet shift output targets while maintaining quality standards on a moderate-volume line.
proficient
Complex blueprints and multi-operation work orders — analyze independently to plan full setup sequences, resolve tolerance conflicts, and optimize production flow.Diverse metal alloys and plastic workpieces — route through varied die series, making real-time adjustments to compensate for material behavior and dimensional drift.Full dimensional inspection routines — execute autonomously using precision instruments, interpret out-of-tolerance trends, and recommend process corrections to maintain conformance.Multiple press and forging machine types — set up and operate across hot and cold forging applications, handling non-routine configurations and uncommon stock profiles.Machine pressure, stroke depth, and synchronization — fine-tune across interdependent parameters to achieve optimum forming quality for complex or tight-tolerance parts.Die changeover and alignment procedures — lead complete installation and adjustment cycles, troubleshooting fit and timing issues without supervisor intervention.Machine performance during production runs — monitor systematically using operational data and sensory cues, diagnosing root causes of defects and implementing corrective actions.Industrial control software and electronic systems — use proficiently to input setup parameters, log production data, and review operational history for quality assurance.Cross-functional setup consultations — facilitate discussions with co-workers, quality personnel, and maintenance staff to resolve specification ambiguities and recurring operational issues.Mathematical calculations for tolerances and material yield — apply to verify setups, evaluate scrap rates, and support process improvement decisions on the production floor.
advanced
Department-wide setup standards and procedures — develop and document to ensure consistency, quality, and safety across all forging press operations in the facility.New die designs and tooling configurations — evaluate and validate through trial runs, providing technical feedback to engineering and design teams before full production release.Operator training programs — design and deliver to build competency in blueprint reading, machine setup, and inspection practices for entry- and mid-level production staff.Production scheduling and machine utilization — analyze and optimize across multiple forging lines to maximize throughput and minimize downtime at an organizational scale.Complex or chronic quality problems — lead root-cause investigations using inspection data, operational logs, and process knowledge to implement lasting corrective and preventive actions.Capital equipment purchases and tooling investments — advise management by assessing technical requirements, vendor capabilities, and production impact based on deep operational expertise.Safety culture and compliance standards — champion and reinforce across the production workforce, identifying hazards in forging operations and driving corrective infrastructure improvements.Inventory management and tooling lifecycle systems — oversee to ensure die condition tracking, preventive maintenance scheduling, and supply readiness align with production demand.Cross-shift and inter-departmental coordination — lead to align forging operations with upstream material supply and downstream finishing schedules, resolving systemic bottlenecks.Workforce performance and skill development — mentor senior operators and developing setters, providing structured feedback and identifying advancement opportunities within the production organization.
Also known as
86 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
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