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Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary in Wilmington, NC

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Wilmington, NC have a median annual salary of $42,890, with 40 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $35,660 at the 10th percentile to $57,020 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

$42,890

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$20.62

Employment

40

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$35,660
10th
$37,060
25th
$42,890
Median
$47,180
75th
$57,020
90th

Local compared with national

Wilmington, NC

$42,890

Median annual · 2025

United States

$46,330

Median annual · 2025

The Wilmington, NC median is 7.4% below the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $3,440).

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 Wilmington, NC