FAQ
Forming Machine Operator FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a forming machine operator.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a forming machine operator: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about forming machine operators
Do I need a degree?
No.
Is the job growing?
BLS projects about average growth.
What industries hire?
Brick, food, feed, pharma and powder metal.
How much does a forming machine operator make?
The median annual wage for forming machine operators was $45,760 ($22.00 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $34,630 and the highest 10% earned more than $63,450.
How long does it take to become a forming machine operator?
Most people need about A few months on the job of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be a forming machine operator?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Is forming machine operator a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +1.5% from 2025–35 (slower than average), with about 5,200 openings each year. Upsides include no degree needed; a common challenge is that dust.
What skills does a forming machine operator need?
Key technical skills include press operation, die changes, pressure control, and measurement. Employers also value attention to detail, reliability, and safety focus.
What certifications are available for forming machine operators?
Common credentials include Machine safety training, GMP training, OSHA 10, and Forklift certification. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Forming Machine Operator fit quiz, compare with Extruding Machine Operator, or explore Forming Machine Operator training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-9041 (Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.