Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay in North Carolina

In North Carolina, the median pay for cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $20.86 an hour ($43,400 a year). About 3,940 people work in this job there.

$20.86Median hourly pay
$37,390–$50,090Middle half of workers, yearly
3,940People in this job in North Carolina

That is 6% lower than the U.S. median ($46,330). North Carolina ranks 40th of 49 states and territories for this job’s median pay.

Pay range for cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic in North Carolina

Earns more thanHourlyYearly
10% of workers$16.91$35,180
25% of workers$17.98$37,390
Half of workers (median)$20.86$43,400
75% of workers$24.08$50,090
90% of workers$29.86$62,120

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay in North Carolina metro areas

Metro areaMedian yearly payPeople in this job
Winston-Salem$48,520390
Asheville$47,23080
Durham-Chapel Hill$45,930120
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia$45,7601,440
Wilmington$42,89040
Burlington$42,48070
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton$41,240180
Raleigh-Cary$40,620270
Greensboro-High Point$39,150400
Goldsboro$37,39080
Rocky Mount$37,090110

North Carolina unemployment rate: 3.5% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Education, experience and outlook for cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic

  • Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent (BLS)
  • Related work experience most have: 2 to 4 years (O*NET)
  • Training on the job: Moderate-term on-the-job training (BLS)
  • Job outlook: -10.5% over ten years, declining · about 13,200 openings a year (BLS)

Related jobs in North Carolina

JobMedian yearly pay
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing$37,550
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$47,320
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$43,770
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$47,770
Tool and Die Makers$61,060
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$48,450
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$50,590
Machinists$55,230

Other job titles for this job

Perforator OperatorBillet CutterBolt CutterNotcherPress Brake OperatorMachine SetterSaw OperatorManufacturing OperatorSetup OperatorAngle Shear OperatorAngle Shear Setup OperatorArbor Press Operator

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.