Metal Workers and Plastic Worker Salary in 2026
How Much Do Metal Workers and Plastic Workers Make?
Metal Workers and Plastic Workers earn a median annual salary of $42,750 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $33,850 at the 10th percentile to $62,800 at the 90th percentile — a range of $28,950. The highest-paying state is Washington at $63,470.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $33,850 |
| 25th percentile | $36,890 |
| Median (50th) | $42,750 |
| 75th percentile | $49,930 |
| 90th percentile | $62,800 |
Metal Workers and Plastic Worker Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washingtontop | $63,470 |
| New York | $62,590 |
| Alabama | $62,310 |
| Oklahoma | $61,440 |
| Kentucky | $52,200 |
| Massachusetts | $51,190 |
| Indiana | $50,890 |
| Montana | $50,540 |
| Oregon | $49,390 |
| Colorado | $49,380 |
| Utah | $49,350 |
| Illinois | $48,010 |
| Maryland | $48,000 |
| Wisconsin | $47,930 |
| Arizona | $47,830 |
| Missouri | $47,390 |
| Nevada | $47,270 |
| Minnesota | $47,160 |
| New Hampshire | $46,360 |
| New Jersey | $46,310 |
| Iowa | $45,730 |
| Connecticut | $45,610 |
| California | $44,860 |
| Arkansas | $44,790 |
| Louisiana | $44,200 |
| Virginia | $43,910 |
| Maine | $43,680 |
| North Carolina | $43,330 |
| Pennsylvania | $43,100 |
| Ohio | $43,040 |
| South Carolina | $41,670 |
| Vermont | $39,860 |
| Michigan | $38,850 |
| Texas | $38,710 |
| Georgia | $36,240 |
| Florida | $36,140 |
| Tennessee | $34,410 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Metal Workers and Plastic Workers
Metal Workers and Plastic Worker Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$33,850 – $36,890 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$42,750 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$49,930 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $62,800+ |
How to Earn More as a Metal Workers and Plastic Worker
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Metal Workers and Plastic Workers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earn $65,850 — $23,100 above the national median. Earning an additional certification or completing a bachelor's degree can push your salary from the median toward the 75th percentile. Reaching the 75th percentile ($49,930) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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SOC: 51-4199.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.