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

In Tennessee, the median pay for cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $21.53 an hour ($44,780 a year). About 5,380 people work in this job there.

$21.53Median hourly pay
$37,580–$48,310Middle half of workers, yearly
5,380People in this job in Tennessee

That is 3% lower than the U.S. median ($46,330). Tennessee ranks 36th 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 Tennessee

Earns more thanHourlyYearly
10% of workers$17.13$35,620
25% of workers$18.07$37,580
Half of workers (median)$21.53$44,780
75% of workers$23.23$48,310
90% of workers$25.63$53,300

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

Metro areaMedian yearly payPeople in this job
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin$45,6501,190
Clarksville$45,560310
Knoxville$45,420720
Kingsport-Bristol$43,920280
Cleveland$43,72070
Jackson$43,150210
Chattanooga$41,320410
Johnson City$40,110100
Memphis$39,880440
Morristown$39,860290

Tennessee unemployment rate: 3.4% (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 Tennessee

JobMedian yearly pay
Tool and Die Makers$60,760
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing$35,290
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$44,710
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$48,540
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$44,030
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$43,710
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$43,810
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$43,630

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.