CDCareer Decision

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary in Des Moines, IA

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Des Moines, IA have a median annual salary of $48,510, with 200 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $36,760 at the 10th percentile to $61,980 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$48,510

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$23.32

Employment

200

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$36,760
10th
$38,560
25th
$48,510
Median
$54,600
75th
$61,980
90th

Local compared with national

Des Moines, IA

$48,510

Median annual · 2025

United States

$46,330

Median annual · 2025

The Des Moines, IA median is 4.7% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $2,180).

Top skills

  1. 1.Operations MonitoringImportance 3.5
  2. 2.Operation and ControlImportance 3.4
  3. 3.Active ListeningImportance 3.0
  4. 4.SpeakingImportance 3.0
  5. 5.Critical ThinkingImportance 3.0
  6. 6.MonitoringImportance 3.0
  7. 7.TroubleshootingImportance 3.0
  8. 8.Quality Control AnalysisImportance 3.0
  9. 9.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.9
  10. 10.Reading ComprehensionImportance 2.8
  11. 11.Active LearningImportance 2.8
  12. 12.CoordinationImportance 2.8

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Job zone
2

Technology used

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Automated inventory software
  • Computerized numerical control CNC software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word
  • Operational databases
  • SAP software
  • Striker Systems SS-Punch

Common tasks

  • Measure completed workpieces to verify conformance to specifications, using micrometers, gauges, calipers, templates, or rulers.
  • Examine completed workpieces for defects, such as chipped edges or marred surfaces and sort defective pieces according to types of flaws.
  • Read work orders or production schedules to determine specifications, such as materials to be used, locations of cutting lines, or dimensions and tolerances.
  • Start machines, monitor their operations, and record operational data.
  • Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
  • Test and adjust machine speeds or actions, according to product specifications, using gauges and hand tools.
  • Load workpieces, plastic material, or chemical solutions into machines.
  • Turn controls to set cutting speeds, feed rates, or table angles for specified operations.
  • Clean work area.
  • Lubricate workpieces with oil.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary in other locations

Other occupations in Des Moines, IA