entityType = "role"
schemaVersion = "role.v1"
slug = "role-51-4022-00"
socCode = "51-4022.00"
title = "Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic"
summary = "Set up, operate, or tend forging machines to taper, shape, or form metal or plastic parts."
aliases = ["Blacksmith", "Forge Operator", "Hammer Operator", "Machine Operator", "Cold Header Operator", "Forge Press Operator", "Forger", "Header Set-Up Operator", "Process Technician", "Set Up Technician", "Air Table Operator", "Anvil Seating Press Operator"]
emergingTasks = []

[preparation]
jobZone = "2"
jobZoneName = "Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed"
education = "Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not."
experience = "Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training."
svpRange = "(Below 6.0)"

[[preparation.educationDistribution]]
label = "High School Diploma"
percentage = 82.3

[[preparation.educationDistribution]]
label = "Less than a High School Diploma"
percentage = 17.7

[educationLevel]
category = "High school diploma or equivalent"
slug = "high-school-diploma-or-equivalent"

[market]
medianWage = 49240
meanWage = 50900
pct10Wage = 35150
pct25Wage = 41350
pct75Wage = 59270
pct90Wage = 69540
employment = 8760
areaTitle = "U.S."

[industries]
count = 5

[[industries.top]]
naics = "31-33"
slug = "31-33"
title = "Manufacturing"
level = "Sector"
employment = 8120
medianWage = 49240
lq = 11.2

[[industries.top]]
naics = "56"
slug = "56"
title = "Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services"
level = "Sector"
employment = 170
medianWage = 40230
lq = 0.33

[[industries.top]]
naics = "561320"
slug = "561320"
title = "Temporary Help Services"
level = "National industry"
employment = 170
medianWage = 40230
lq = 1.13

[[industries.top]]
naics = "42"
slug = "42"
title = "Wholesale Trade"
level = "Sector"
employment = 60
medianWage = 48400

[[industries.top]]
naics = "332710"
slug = "332710"
title = "Machine Shops"
level = "National industry"
medianWage = 45160

[[industries.concentrated]]
naics = "31-33"
slug = "31-33"
title = "Manufacturing"
level = "Sector"
employment = 8120
lq = 11.2

[[industries.concentrated]]
naics = "561320"
slug = "561320"
title = "Temporary Help Services"
level = "National industry"
employment = 170
lq = 1.13

[[industries.concentrated]]
naics = "56"
slug = "56"
title = "Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services"
level = "Sector"
employment = 170
lq = 0.33

[aiOutlook]
teleworkable = false
usageTasks = []

[aiOutlook.index]
value = 24
percentile = 22
band = "Low"
version = "ai-exposure-index-v1"
componentCount = 3

[[aiOutlook.index.components]]
percentile = 25
source = "felten_aioe"

[[aiOutlook.index.components]]
percentile = 12
source = "openai_gpts_are_gpts"

[[aiOutlook.index.components]]
percentile = 36
source = "microsoft_working_with_ai"

[aiOutlook.freyHistorical]
source = "frey"
label = "Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)"
value = 0.93
percentile = 84
band = "High"
note = "A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking."

[aiOutlook.eloundou]
alpha = 0
beta = 0.041666666666666664
gamma = 0.08333333333333333

[aiOutlook.bls]
growthPercent = -18.9
growthPercentile = 1
direction = "Declining"
annualOpeningsThousands = 0.6
annualOpeningsPercentile = 9
employment2024Thousands = 8.8
employment2034Thousands = 7.2

[[aiOutlook.exposure]]
source = "felten_aioe"
label = "Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.)"
value = -0.8046677
percentile = 25
band = "Low"
note = "How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss."

[[aiOutlook.exposure]]
source = "eloundou_gamma"
label = "LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou)"
value = 0.08333333333333333
percentile = 12
band = "Low"
note = "Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank."

[[aiOutlook.exposure]]
source = "microsoft_applicability"
label = "AI assistant applicability (Microsoft)"
value = 0.1153043803595023
percentile = 36
band = "Moderate"
note = "How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement."

[[aiOutlook.sources]]
source = "bls_employment_projections"
version = "2024-2034"

[[aiOutlook.sources]]
source = "dingel_neiman"
version = "dingel-neiman-workathome"

[[aiOutlook.sources]]
source = "felten_aioe"
version = "felten-raj-seamans-aioe"

[[aiOutlook.sources]]
source = "frey_osborne"
version = "frey-osborne-automation"

[[aiOutlook.sources]]
source = "microsoft_working_with_ai"
version = "working-with-ai"

[[aiOutlook.sources]]
source = "openai_gpts_are_gpts"
version = "gpts-are-gpts"

[counts]
tasks = 13
skills = 33
capabilities = 120
tools = 3
relatedRoles = 20

[source]
dataset = "gold.onet_role_starter_surface"
version = "30.3"
generatedAt = "2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00"
contentHash = "48a656bda4ba9cc6"

[[tasks]]
text = "Read work orders or blueprints to determine specified tolerances and sequences of operations for machine setup."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.1.a.1.b"

[[tasks]]
text = "Position and move metal wires or workpieces through a series of dies that compress and shape stock to form die impressions."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.f"

[[tasks]]
text = "Measure and inspect machined parts to ensure conformance to product specifications."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.1.b.3.a"

[[tasks]]
text = "Set up, operate, or tend presses and forging machines to perform hot or cold forging by flattening, straightening, bending, cutting, piercing, or other operations to taper, shape, or form metal."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.3.f"

[[tasks]]
text = "Turn handles or knobs to set pressures and depths of ram strokes and to synchronize machine operations."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.3.f"

[[tasks]]
text = "Install, adjust, and remove dies, synchronizing cams, forging hammers, and stop guides, using overhead cranes or other hoisting devices, and hand tools."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.f"

[[tasks]]
text = "Start machines to produce sample workpieces, and observe operations to detect machine malfunctions and to verify that machine setups conform to specifications."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.1.b.2.l"

[[tasks]]
text = "Confer with other workers about machine setups and operational specifications."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.4.a.2.c"

[[tasks]]
text = "Trim and compress finished forgings to specified tolerances."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.l"

[[tasks]]
text = "Remove dies from machines when production runs are finished."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.s"

[[tasks]]
text = "Repair, maintain, and replace parts on dies."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.3.b.4.c"

[[tasks]]
text = "Select, align, and bolt positioning fixtures, stops, and specified dies to rams and anvils, forging rolls, or presses and hammers."
type = "Supplemental"
iwa = "4.A.2.b.1.j"

[[activities]]
name = "Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications."
iwa = "4.A.1.b.3.a"

[[activities]]
name = "Study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements."
iwa = "4.A.1.a.1.b"

[[activities]]
name = "Conduct test runs of production equipment."
iwa = "4.A.1.b.2.l"

[[activities]]
name = "Operate metal or plastic forming equipment."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.3.f"

[[activities]]
name = "Remove accessories, tools, or other parts from equipment."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.s"

[[activities]]
name = "Exchange information with colleagues."
iwa = "4.A.4.a.2.c"

[[activities]]
name = "Replace worn equipment components."
iwa = "4.A.3.b.4.c"

[[activities]]
name = "Repair production equipment or tools."
iwa = "4.A.3.b.4.c"

[[activities]]
name = "Maintain production or processing equipment."
iwa = "4.A.3.b.5.a"

[[activities]]
name = "Operate cutting equipment."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.3.l"

[[activities]]
name = "Maneuver workpieces in equipment during production."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.f"

[[activities]]
name = "Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.f"

[[activities]]
name = "Select production equipment according to product specifications."
iwa = "4.A.2.b.1.j"

[[activities]]
name = "Set equipment guides, stops, spacers, or other fixtures."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.at"

[[activities]]
name = "Trim excess material from workpieces."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.l"

[[activities]]
name = "Operate grinding equipment."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.3.l"

[[activities]]
name = "Sharpen cutting or grinding tools."
iwa = "4.A.3.b.5.a"

[[capabilities]]
name = "Production and Processing"
family = "knowledge"
value = 4.16

[[capabilities]]
name = "Mathematics"
family = "knowledge"
value = 3.64

[[capabilities]]
name = "Education and Training"
family = "knowledge"
value = 3.58

[[capabilities]]
name = "Near Vision"
family = "ability"
value = 3.5

[[capabilities]]
name = "Mechanical"
family = "knowledge"
value = 3.48

[[capabilities]]
name = "Oral Comprehension"
family = "ability"
value = 3.38

[[capabilities]]
name = "Operations Monitoring"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 3.25

[[capabilities]]
name = "Written Comprehension"
family = "ability"
value = 3.25

[[capabilities]]
name = "Oral Expression"
family = "ability"
value = 3.25

[[capabilities]]
name = "Problem Sensitivity"
family = "ability"
value = 3.25

[[capabilities]]
name = "Information Ordering"
family = "ability"
value = 3.25

[[capabilities]]
name = "Arm-Hand Steadiness"
family = "ability"
value = 3.25

[[capabilities]]
name = "Control Precision"
family = "ability"
value = 3.25

[[capabilities]]
name = "Engineering and Technology"
family = "knowledge"
value = 3.24

[[capabilities]]
name = "Reading Comprehension"
family = "essential_skill"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Active Listening"
family = "essential_skill"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Monitoring"
family = "essential_skill"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Operation and Control"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Reaction Time"
family = "ability"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Design"
family = "knowledge"
value = 3.03

[[capabilities]]
name = "Time Management"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Deductive Reasoning"
family = "ability"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Inductive Reasoning"
family = "ability"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Perceptual Speed"
family = "ability"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Visualization"
family = "ability"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Selective Attention"
family = "ability"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Manual Dexterity"
family = "ability"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Finger Dexterity"
family = "ability"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Multilimb Coordination"
family = "ability"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Rate Control"
family = "ability"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Auditory Attention"
family = "ability"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "English Language"
family = "knowledge"
value = 2.91

[[capabilities]]
name = "Computers and Electronics"
family = "knowledge"
value = 2.9

[[capabilities]]
name = "Speaking"
family = "essential_skill"
value = 2.88

[[capabilities]]
name = "Critical Thinking"
family = "essential_skill"
value = 2.88

[[capabilities]]
name = "Social Perceptiveness"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 2.88

[[capabilities]]
name = "Troubleshooting"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 2.88

[[capabilities]]
name = "Quality Control Analysis"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 2.88

[[capabilities]]
name = "Administration and Management"
family = "knowledge"
value = 2.88

[[capabilities]]
name = "Written Expression"
family = "ability"
value = 2.88

[[skills]]
name = "Mathematics"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Information Ordering"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Reading Comprehension"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Active Listening"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Visualization"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Time Management"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Inductive Reasoning"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Finger Dexterity"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Deductive Reasoning"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "English Language"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Speech Recognition"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Social Perceptiveness"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Critical Thinking"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Writing"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Equipment Maintenance"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Complex Problem Solving"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Chemistry"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Physics"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Learning Strategies"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Active Learning"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Negotiation"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Instructing"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Depth Perception"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Systems Analysis"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Equipment Selection"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Email Software"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Psychology"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Installation"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Telecommunications"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Foreign Language"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Biology"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Geography"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Industrial Control Software"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[tools]]
example = "Email software"
category = "Electronic mail software"
hot = false
inDemand = false

[[tools]]
example = "Inventory tracking software"
category = "Inventory management software"
hot = false
inDemand = false

[[tools]]
example = "Machine control software"
category = "Industrial control software"
hot = false
inDemand = false

[[workContext]]
name = "Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams"
value = 4.73

[[workContext]]
name = "Time Pressure"
value = 4.47

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable"
value = 4.43

[[workContext]]
name = "Spend Time Standing"
value = 4.43

[[workContext]]
name = "Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team"
value = 4.34

[[workContext]]
name = "Contact With Others"
value = 4.33

[[workContext]]
name = "Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls"
value = 4.2

[[workContext]]
name = "Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results"
value = 4.18

[[workContext]]
name = "Health and Safety of Other Workers"
value = 4.14

[[workContext]]
name = "In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment"
value = 4.06

[[workContext]]
name = "Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment"
value = 4.06

[[workContext]]
name = "Importance of Being Exact or Accurate"
value = 4.02

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures"
value = 3.85

[[workContext]]
name = "Freedom to Make Decisions"
value = 3.8

[[workContext]]
name = "Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers"
value = 3.76

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings"
value = 3.73

[[workContext]]
name = "Frequency of Decision Making"
value = 3.72

[[workContext]]
name = "Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled"
value = 3.69

[[workContext]]
name = "Physical Proximity"
value = 3.6

[[workContext]]
name = "Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities"
value = 3.58

[[workContext]]
name = "Importance of Repeating Same Tasks"
value = 3.56

[[workContext]]
name = "Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions"
value = 3.54

[[workContext]]
name = "Consequence of Error"
value = 3.53

[[workContext]]
name = "Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals"
value = 3.52

[[workContext]]
name = "Spend Time Walking or Running"
value = 3.41

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Contaminants"
value = 3.34

[[workContext]]
name = "Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People"
value = 3.05

[[workContext]]
name = "Conflict Situations"
value = 3.01

[[workContext]]
name = "Degree of Automation"
value = 2.96

[[workContext]]
name = "Level of Competition"
value = 2.95

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions"
value = 2.9

[[workContext]]
name = "Telephone Conversations"
value = 2.84

[[workContext]]
name = "Public Speaking"
value = 2.76

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Whole Body Vibration"
value = 2.7

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions"
value = 2.67

[[workContext]]
name = "Written Letters and Memos"
value = 2.6

[[workContext]]
name = "Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body"
value = 2.6

[[workContext]]
name = "Indoors, Environmentally Controlled"
value = 2.52

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Hazardous Conditions"
value = 2.21

[[workContext]]
name = "Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling"
value = 2.07

[[personFit]]
name = "Realistic"
family = "career_interest_type"
value = 6.74

[[personFit]]
name = "Physical/Manual Labor"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 5.21

[[personFit]]
name = "Conventional"
family = "career_interest_type"
value = 4.39

[[personFit]]
name = "Engineering"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 3.45

[[personFit]]
name = "Mechanics/Electronics"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 3.43

[[personFit]]
name = "Dependability"
family = "work_style"
value = 3

[[personFit]]
name = "Investigative"
family = "career_interest_type"
value = 2.62

[[personFit]]
name = "Attention to Detail"
family = "work_style"
value = 2.34

[[personFit]]
name = "Transportation/Machine Operation"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 2.11

[[personFit]]
name = "Cautiousness"
family = "work_style"
value = 2.03

[[personFit]]
name = "Mathematics/Statistics"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 1.59

[[personFit]]
name = "Construction/Woodwork"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 1.38

[[personFit]]
name = "Physical Science"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 1.26

[[personFit]]
name = "Stress Tolerance"
family = "work_style"
value = 1.24

[[personFit]]
name = "Accounting"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 1.2

[[personFit]]
name = "Enterprising"
family = "career_interest_type"
value = 1.19

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-4031.00"
slug = "role-51-4031-00"
title = "Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic"
tier = "Primary-Short"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-7042.00"
slug = "role-51-7042-00"
title = "Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing"
tier = "Primary-Short"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-4111.00"
slug = "role-51-4111-00"
title = "Tool and Die Makers"
tier = "Primary-Short"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-4081.00"
slug = "role-51-4081-00"
title = "Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic"
tier = "Primary-Short"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-4034.00"
slug = "role-51-4034-00"
title = "Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic"
tier = "Primary-Short"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-4033.00"
slug = "role-51-4033-00"
title = "Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic"
tier = "Primary-Long"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-4023.00"
slug = "role-51-4023-00"
title = "Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic"
tier = "Primary-Long"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-9022.00"
slug = "role-51-9022-00"
title = "Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand"
tier = "Primary-Long"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-4035.00"
slug = "role-51-4035-00"
title = "Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic"
tier = "Primary-Long"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-4072.00"
slug = "role-51-4072-00"
title = "Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic"
tier = "Primary-Long"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-4194.00"
slug = "role-51-4194-00"
title = "Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners"
tier = "Supplemental"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-9032.00"
slug = "role-51-9032-00"
title = "Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders"
tier = "Supplemental"

[[careerClusters]]
cluster = "Advanced Manufacturing"
slug = "advanced-manufacturing"

[[studyPrograms]]
title = "Precision Production"
slug = "precision-production"

[[aiSignals]]
source = "frey_osborne"
label = "Computerization probability"
score = 0.93
scale = "0-1 probability"
release = "2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot"

[[aiSignals]]
source = "felten_aioe"
label = "AI occupational exposure"
score = -0.8046677
scale = "relative exposure score"
release = "2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks"

[[aiSignals]]
source = "felten_image_generation_aioe"
label = "Image generation occupational exposure"
score = -0.6361212
scale = "relative exposure score"
release = "2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks"

[[aiSignals]]
source = "felten_language_modeling_aioe"
label = "Language modeling occupational exposure"
score = -0.880991
scale = "relative exposure score"
release = "2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks"
