Forge Shop Workers

Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders-metal and plastic earned median annual salaries of $46,990 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Salaries ranged from $31,860 to $64,070 or more. Fifty percent of these workers earned between $38,390 and $54,220. First-line supervisors of production and operating workers earned median annual salaries of $65,930.

Overtime work is common in forge shops, for which workers receive time and a half pay. Some companies are experimenting with pay systems based on profit sharing and productivity. Most forge shop workers receive paid holidays, vacations, and sick days, with medical insurance and retirement plans also being offered.