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Production

Metal workers and plastic workers, all other

All metal workers and plastic workers not listed separately.

Median pay

$45,950

Growth to 2035

−7%

declining

Openings a year

1,300

Time to qualify*

6 months

* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.

Pay

Metal workers and plastic workers, all other

$45,95010% earn under $35,350 · middle half $39,190–$54,100 · top 10% over $65,510
Bar: middle 50% of workers. Line: 10th to 90th percentile. Dot: median. BLS OEWS, May 2025, national.

Getting in

Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Prior experience
None

Calculate your switch to metal workers and plastic workers, all other

What the work is like

Metal workers and plastic workers, all other

Dealing with the public

Rarely
Constantly

Time pressure

Rarely
Constantly

Freedom to make decisions

Little
A lot
Average worker ratings, 1 to 5. O*NET 31.0 work context survey.

Core tasks

Outlook and AI

Metal workers and plastic workers, all other held 16,300 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 15,100 by 2035 (−7%, declining; all jobs: +3.5%).

Productivity change - share decreases as the tasks of these machine operators are supplanted by programmable computer-controlled machinery, requiring fewer of these workers.

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