CDCareer Decision

Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary in IA

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in IA have a median annual salary of $72,670, with 660 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $48,580 at the 10th percentile to $72,670 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

$72,670

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$34.94

Employment

660

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$48,580
10th
$58,700
25th
$72,670
Median
$72,670
75th
$72,670
90th

Local compared with national

IA

$72,670

Median annual · 2025

United States

$50,140

Median annual · 2025

The IA median is 44.9% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $22,530).

Top skills

  1. 1.Operations MonitoringImportance 4.0
  2. 2.Operation and ControlImportance 4.0
  3. 3.Quality Control AnalysisImportance 3.6
  4. 4.MonitoringImportance 3.5
  5. 5.SpeakingImportance 3.3
  6. 6.Active ListeningImportance 3.1
  7. 7.Critical ThinkingImportance 3.1
  8. 8.Reading ComprehensionImportance 3.0
  9. 9.Active LearningImportance 3.0
  10. 10.CoordinationImportance 3.0
  11. 11.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.0
  12. 12.Equipment MaintenanceImportance 3.0

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Experience
None
Job zone
2

Technology used

  • Email software
  • Web browser software

Common tasks

  • Activate shears and grinders to trim workpieces.
  • Monitor machine cycles and mill operation to detect jamming and to ensure that products conform to specifications.
  • Adjust and correct machine set-ups to reduce thicknesses, reshape products, and eliminate product defects.
  • Start operation of rolling and milling machines to flatten, temper, form, and reduce sheet metal sections and to produce steel strips.
  • Examine, inspect, and measure raw materials and finished products to verify conformance to specifications.
  • Read rolling orders, blueprints, and mill schedules to determine setup specifications, work sequences, product dimensions, and installation procedures.
  • Manipulate controls and observe dial indicators to monitor, adjust, and regulate speeds of machine mechanisms.
  • Set distance points between rolls, guides, meters, and stops, according to specifications.
  • Calculate draft space and roll speed for each mill stand to plan rolling sequences and specified dimensions and tempers.
  • Install equipment such as guides, guards, gears, cooling equipment, and rolls, using hand tools.

Related careers

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

Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary in other locations

Other occupations in IA