Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary
The median heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic salary in the United States is $48,750 per year ($23.44/hour). Salaries range from $35,180 at the entry level to $66,350+ for the top 10% of earners. There are 14,000 heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic jobs nationwide. Employment is projected to decline 12.8% through 2034.
Last updated: June 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Median Salary
$48,750
per year
Hourly Rate
$23.44
per hour
Employment
14,000
jobs in the U.S.
Salary Distribution
10th percentile
$35,180
25th percentile
$40,660
Median
$48,750
75th percentile
$58,400
90th percentile
$66,350
Job Growth (2024-2034)
-12.8%
Decline
Annual Openings
1,200
jobs/year (growth + replacements)
Education Required
High school diploma or equivalent
Training Needed
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary by State
Best Cities (cost-adjusted) →Salary Map — Click a state for details
$35K$62K■ No data
Top Paying States
Washington
$62K
+27%
Oregon
$60K
+24%
Colorado
$58K
+20%
West Virginia
$57K
+17%
Virginia
$55K
+13%
Tennessee
$55K
+13%
New York
$53K
+9%
Ohio
$53K
+8%
New Hampshire
$52K
+7%
Oklahoma
$52K
+6%
Vertical line = national median. Click a state for full details.
| State | Median | vs. National |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $61,990 | +27.2% |
| Oregon | $60,280 | +23.7% |
| Colorado | $58,300 | +19.6% |
| West Virginia | $56,880 | +16.7% |
| Virginia | $55,070 | +13.0% |
| Tennessee | $54,930 | +12.7% |
| New York | $52,940 | +8.6% |
| Ohio | $52,880 | +8.5% |
| New Hampshire | $52,250 | +7.2% |
| Oklahoma | $51,680 | +6.0% |
Showing 1–10 of 37
Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Median | vs. National |
|---|---|---|
| Canton-Massillon, OH | $67,070 | +37.6% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $65,640 | +34.6% |
| Albany, OR | $64,210 | +31.7% |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $63,960 | +31.2% |
| Columbus, OH | $62,530 | +28.3% |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $61,990 | +27.2% |
| Worcester, MA | $61,050 | +25.2% |
| Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $60,190 | +23.5% |
| Springfield, MA | $60,110 | +23.3% |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $59,530 | +22.1% |
Showing 1–10 of 64
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Data reflects the most recent annual survey.
How does this compare to pro athletes?
A heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic earning $48,750/year would need 1223 years to match Stephen Curry's NBA salary, or 1313 yearsto match Patrick Mahomes' NFL contract.
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View Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary trend (2011–2024) →