Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Guide 2025
The median annual salary for plating machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $43,960, or roughly $21 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The typical range runs from $33,790 for the bottom 10% to $60,370 for the top 10%, with the mean wage at $45,100. These numbers give you a realistic picture of what workers in this occupation earn nationwide in 2025.
How much Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn
Wages vary by experience, employer, and region. The national median of $43,960 is the midpoint: half of workers earn more, half earn less. The middle 50% clustered between roughly $33,790 and $60,370. At the 90th percentile, experienced operators can hit $60,370, while the lowest 10% earn up to $33,790. The average hourly rate works out to about $21, based on the mean annual wage of $45,100.
- National median: $43,960 per year / $21 per hour
- 10th percentile: $33,790
- 90th percentile: $60,370
- Mean annual: $45,100
Pay by state
Where you work makes a big difference in pay. The highest-paying state is Iowa, where plating machine operators earn a mean annual wage of $70,910. That's more than 60% above the national median. Other top states include Washington ($58,000), Mississippi ($52,090), Arkansas ($51,140), and Oklahoma ($49,330). On the lower end, the lowest-paying states are Kentucky ($34,680), Louisiana ($34,040), and Alabama ($33,730). Keep in mind that cost of living varies, but the raw wage differences are substantial.
How to become Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Entry into this occupation typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Most training happens on the job, where new operators learn to set up and tend plating machines, monitor chemical baths, and inspect finished parts. Some technical or community colleges offer certificate programs in electroplating or metal finishing, which can boost your resume and understanding of the chemistry involved. No state license is required, but voluntary certifications like those from the National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF) can demonstrate competence.
- Earn a high school diploma (or GED).
- Apply for entry-level operator positions; most employers provide on-the-job training.
- Consider a certificate in plating or surface finishing from a community college.
- Optionally pursue NASF certification to advance.
Job outlook
The BLS projects a steep decline for this occupation: -13.6% from 2024 to 2034, which is a loss of about 4,400 jobs. That's much faster than the average for all occupations. Despite the drop, roughly 2,500 new openings per year are expected, mostly to replace workers who retire or leave the field. Automation and offshoring are the main causes of decline. Still, a steady flow of replacements means opportunities for job seekers, especially those willing to work in higher-paying states or specialize.
Frequently asked questions
What is the hourly wage for plating machine operators?
The median hourly wage is about $21 per hour, based on the BLS mean annual salary of $45,100. Wages can range from about $16 per hour at the 10th percentile to $29 at the 90th.
Is becoming a plating machine operator a good career?
It can be a stable career with decent pay for workers without a college degree, but the job outlook is poor. Employment is projected to decline 13.6% over the next decade, so competition may be higher.
What states pay the most for plating machine operators?
The highest-paying state is Iowa with an average wage of $70,910, followed by Washington ($58,000), Mississippi ($52,090), Arkansas ($51,140), and Oklahoma ($49,330).
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 Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic data.