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Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary in St. Louis, MO

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in St. Louis, MO have a median annual salary of $52,630, with 1,270 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $37,250 at the 10th percentile to $74,950 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

$52,630

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$25.30

Employment

1,270

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$37,250
10th
$43,350
25th
$52,630
Median
$61,290
75th
$74,950
90th

Local compared with national

St. Louis, MO

$52,630

Median annual · 2025

United States

$46,330

Median annual · 2025

The St. Louis, MO median is 13.6% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $6,300).

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 St. Louis, MO