Vocational Index

Career

Metal workers and plastic workers, all other

All metal workers and plastic workers not listed separately.

$45,950
Median pay
-7.1%
Job growth, 2025–35
1,300
Openings a year
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical education
None required
Typical time after high school

Here's what you actually need to know.

The work

What people in this job do

All metal workers and plastic workers not listed separately.

The outlook

How the forecast changed this year

2024–34 edition-9.5%2025–35 edition-7.1%
Projected 10-year growth in last year's and this year's BLS projections. 1,700 → 1,300 openings a year.

Paths in

Degrees that lead here

  • Machine Tool Technology/MachinistCIP 48.0501
  • Machine Shop Technology/AssistantCIP 48.0503
  • Precision Metal Working, OtherCIP 48.0599

Paths across

Careers that use similar skills

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    Sources

    1. BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved 2026-10-01.
    2. BLS Employment Projections, 2024–34 (archived), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved 2026-10-01.
    3. O*NET 31.0 Database (August 2026), National Center for O*NET Development / U.S. Department of Labor. Retrieved 2026-10-01.
    4. CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk, NCES and BLS. Retrieved 2026-10-01.