Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Guide
📍 United States
Discover Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salaries in 2026 — average pay, salary ranges by experience and location, and tips to negotiate your best offer.
Salary Range
Min
$39k
Median
$46k
Max
$55k
Annual base salary in USD
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Overview
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics are in consistent demand across the United States. The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic is approximately $46,330 in 2026, though earnings vary significantly by experience level, location, industry, and specialisation. Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
Factors That Affect Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary
- → Experience level — entry-level, mid-level, senior, and management roles
- → Industry and employer type — private sector, government, and non-profit
- → Geographic location — major metropolitan areas typically pay above the national median
- → Educational background and relevant certifications
- → In-demand specialisations and technical skills
- → Company size — larger organisations typically offer higher base salaries
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What is the average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary in 2026?
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The median Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary in the United States is approximately $46,330 in 2026. Entry-level positions typically start around $38,870, while experienced professionals can earn up to $55,410 or more depending on location, employer, and specialisation.
What factors affect Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary the most?
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The biggest drivers of Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary are experience level, geographic location, industry, and employer size. Major metro areas like New York, San Francisco, and Seattle typically pay 20–40% above the national median. Specialised certifications and in-demand technical skills also command significant premiums over the base median.
How do I negotiate a higher Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary?
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Research current market rates using sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics, LinkedIn Salary, and Glassdoor before any offer discussion. Let the employer make the first offer when possible, then counter with data-backed justification. Always negotiate total compensation — benefits, bonuses, and flexibility — not just base salary.