Metal Workers and Plastic Workers earn $49,800 median salary – what that means for your paycheck
Metal workers and plastic workers earn a median of $49,800 a year, or about $24 an hour. That's based on the latest BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The typical pay range runs from $36,950 at the 10th percentile to $75,830 at the 90th, meaning half of all workers make between those numbers. With 1,545,990 jobs nationwide, this is one of the largest blue-collar occupations in the U.S.
How much Metal Workers and Plastic Workers earn
The median annual wage for metal and plastic workers is $49,800, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2024 estimates. Median means half earn more, half less. The mean wage is slightly higher at $53,730, or about $25.83 per hour.
Entry-level workers (10th percentile) make around $36,950. Experienced or specialized workers at the 90th percentile can earn $75,830 or more. The wide range reflects differences in skill, industry, and geography.
Pay also varies by specific job title. For example, welding, soldering, and brazing workers had a median of $50,110 in a separate BLS dataset (not used here), while molding and casting workers earned less. The overall occupation group includes machinists, tool and die makers, and other production roles.
Pay by state
The BLS does not publish state-by-state figures for this broad occupational group. However, similar production roles often pay highest in manufacturing-heavy states like Michigan, Ohio, and Texas, and lowest in states with lower cost of living or weaker industrial bases. Check the BLS OEWS data for detailed state estimates.
How to become Metal Workers and Plastic Workers
Entry typically requires a high school diploma or GED. Many workers learn through on-the-job training, apprenticeships, or vocational programs at community colleges or trade schools. Some jobs, like tool and die maker, may require a longer apprenticeship or an associate degree.
Certifications can boost pay. For example, the American Welding Society offers credentials for welders. No state license is required for most roles, but some employers prefer OSHA safety training.
- Complete high school or equivalent (diploma or GED).
- Enroll in a vocational program or apprenticeship (1 to 4 years).
- Gain hands-on experience in a shop or factory.
- Consider earning industry certifications (e.g., AWS welding cert).
- Advance by specializing or taking on supervisory roles.
Job outlook
The BLS does not provide a specific growth projection for metal and plastic workers from 2024 to 2034. However, broader production occupations are expected to see little to no change as automation and offshoring continue. Replacement openings will arise from workers retiring or leaving the field.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median salary for metal and plastic workers?
The national median annual wage is $49,800, or about $24 per hour.
Do metal and plastic workers need college degrees?
Most positions require only a high school diploma or equivalent, plus on-the-job training or an apprenticeship.
What states pay metal workers the most?
BLS does not provide state-level data for this broad group, but manufacturing states like Michigan and Texas tend to pay higher.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Metal Workers and Plastic Workers data.