Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other

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

• Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
  $64,783 median (+$570) · +3.8% by 2032
• Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders
  $66,022 median (+$1,810) · −15.4% by 2032
• Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
  $67,548 median (+$3,335) · −7.4% by 2032
• Tool and Die Makers
  $69,553 median (+$5,340) · −12.0% by 2032
• Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
  $69,911 median (+$5,698) · −14.3% by 2032
• First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
  $79,221 median (+$15,008) · −8.1% by 2032

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

• Machinists
  $61,786 median (−$2,426) · −5.3% by 2032
• Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters
  $59,049 median (−$5,164) · −10.7% by 2032
• Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
  $58,715 median (−$5,497) · −6.9% by 2032
• Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  $56,676 median (−$7,537) · −12.8% by 2032
• Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  $56,430 median (−$7,783) · −15.8% by 2032
• Dental Laboratory Technicians
  $55,545 median (−$8,667) · −3.1% by 2032