Careers · Explore one path
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.
Other titles employers use
Blacksmith · Cold Header Operator · Forge Operator · Forge Press Operator · Forger · Hammer Operator · Header Set-Up Operator · Machine Operator
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- Read work orders or blueprints to determine specified tolerances and sequences of operations for machine setup.
- Position and move metal wires or workpieces through a series of dies that compress and shape stock to form die impressions.
- Measure and inspect machined parts to ensure conformance to product specifications.
- Set up, operate, or tend presses and forging machines to perform hot or cold forging by flattening, straightening, bending, cutting, piercing, or other operations to taper, shape, or form metal.
- Turn handles or knobs to set pressures and depths of ram strokes and to synchronize machine operations.
- Install, adjust, and remove dies, synchronizing cams, forging hammers, and stop guides, using overhead cranes or other hoisting devices, and hand tools.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical and organizing work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Operations Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Time Management
Subjects to know
- Production and Processing
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
- Mechanical
- Engineering and Technology
Useful strengths
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 3.6 | Shared rooms, but not shoulder to shoulder |
| On your feet | 4.4 | Standing or moving for most of it |
| Talking face to face | 4.7 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 4.2 | Handling tools, instruments or materials |
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Electronic mail software
- Inventory management software
- Industrial control software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 1,030
- Job openings each year
- 90
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- −17.6%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 1,030 | 90 | −17.6% |
| Ohio | 1,000 | 90 | −14.5% |
| Tennessee | 1,000 | 100 | −5.7% |
| Kentucky | 950 | 100 | −5.0% |
| Texas | 640 | 60 | −11.1% |
| Pennsylvania | 370 | 30 | −15.9% |
| Virginia | 370 | 40 | −11.9% |
| Indiana | 350 | 30 | −14.6% |
| Wisconsin | 330 | 30 | −5.7% |
| Colorado | 320 | 30 | −13.5% |
| South Carolina | 320 | 30 | 3.2% |
| Kansas | 310 | 30 | −6.1% |
| Illinois | 300 | 30 | −14.3% |
| Connecticut | 230 | 20 | −11.5% |
| Arkansas | 160 | 10 | −5.9% |
| Nebraska | 160 | 20 | −5.9% |
| Florida | 150 | 20 | — |
| New Jersey | 130 | 10 | — |
| Mississippi | 90 | 10 | −10.0% |
| Iowa | 80 | 10 | −11.1% |
| Alabama | 70 | 10 | — |
| North Carolina | 60 | 10 | −14.3% |
| Louisiana | 50 | 10 | −16.7% |
| Washington | 20 | 0 | — |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.