Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Jobs in the same field (Production) that pay more than this one. A plain “same field, higher pay” guide — not a skills-match score.

• Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  $54,713 median (+$189) · −7.7% by 2032
• Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
  $55,040 median (+$516) · −8.4% by 2032
• Dental Laboratory Technicians
  $55,545 median (+$1,021) · −3.1% by 2032
• Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  $56,430 median (+$1,905) · −15.8% by 2032
• Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  $56,676 median (+$2,151) · −12.8% by 2032
• Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
  $58,715 median (+$4,191) · −6.9% by 2032

Jobs in the same field (Production) that pay less than this one — often earlier-career roles or a way in.

• Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
  $53,744 median (−$781) · −14.2% by 2032
• Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers
  $53,501 median (−$1,023) · −4.5% by 2032
• Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  $53,228 median (−$1,297) · −4.3% by 2032
• Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  $53,206 median (−$1,318) · −23.3% by 2032
• Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
  $52,212 median (−$2,313) · −5.1% by 2032
• Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
  $51,928 median (−$2,597) · −14.1% by 2032