Miscellaneous Metal Workers and Plastic Workers Salary 2025: $46,640 Median
The median salary for miscellaneous metal workers and plastic workers is $46,640 per year, or about $22 an hour. That puts the typical worker in the middle of a range that stretches from $34,920 at the 10th percentile to $67,480 at the 90th percentile, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
These figures cover a broad category of workers who shape, form, and finish metal and plastic parts across manufacturing industries. The occupation employed roughly 73,880 people nationally as of the latest data, with job opportunities concentrated in factories and fabrication shops.
How much Miscellaneous Metal Workers and Plastic Workers earn
Half of all workers in this occupation earn more than $46,640 and half earn less, the BLS reports. The bottom 10 percent bring home about $34,920 or less, while the top 10 percent exceed $67,480. These estimates reflect annual wages for full-time workers.
Hourly pay works out to roughly $22 at the median, with the lowest-paid workers earning around $16.79 per hour and the highest-paid around $32.44 per hour. Pay varies by experience, location, and specific job duties.
Pay by state
The BLS does not provide state-level data specifically for this occupation. However, manufacturing-intensive states like Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana tend to offer higher wages, while states with lower cost of living may have lower average pay. Check your state's labor department for local job postings to get a sense of regional rates.
How to become Miscellaneous Metal Workers and Plastic Worker
Most workers enter this field with a high school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training is common, lasting from a few months to a year depending on the complexity of tasks like welding, soldering, brazing, or machine operation.
Some workers complete a formal apprenticeship or certificate program at a community college or trade school. Relevant coursework includes blueprint reading, metallurgy, and safety practices. No state license is typically required, but voluntary certifications from organizations like the American Welding Society can help with advancement.
- Earn high school diploma or GED
- Complete on-the-job training (often 6–12 months)
- Consider a certificate or apprenticeship in welding/metal fabrication
- Optional: obtain industry certifications for higher pay
Job outlook
The BLS does not provide a specific growth projection for miscellaneous metal workers and plastic workers from 2024 to 2034. Overall, employment in manufacturing is expected to remain stable, with openings arising from retirements and turnover. Workers with skills in automation or CNC machining may have better prospects.
Frequently asked questions
Is $46,640 a good salary for a miscellaneous metal worker?
It's around the national median for all occupations. Pay can be higher in unionized shops or with specialized skills like welding or CNC programming.
What does a miscellaneous metal and plastic worker do?
These workers perform a variety of tasks such as cutting, bending, assembling, and finishing metal or plastic parts. They may operate machinery, braze, solder, or inspect products for quality.
Do you need a degree to become a metal worker?
No, typically only a high school diploma is required. Most training happens on the job, though a certificate or apprenticeship can speed up advancement.
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 Miscellaneous Metal Workers and Plastic Workers data.