Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin

In Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin (TN), the median pay for cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $21.95 an hour ($45,650 a year). About 1,190 people work in this job there.

$21.95Median hourly pay
$39,050–$50,060Middle half of workers, yearly
1,190People in this job in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin (TN)

That is about the same as the U.S. median ($46,330). It is 2% higher than the Tennessee median ($44,780).

Pay range for cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin (TN)

Earns more thanHourlyYearly
10% of workers$17.80$37,030
25% of workers$18.77$39,050
Half of workers (median)$21.95$45,650
75% of workers$24.07$50,060
90% of workers$28.03$58,310

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 (this page)$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 Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin (TN)

JobMedian yearly pay
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$49,460
Machinists$51,430

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.