How Much Does a Forming Operator make?

Forming Operator made a median salary around $53,105 in April, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $59,164 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $47,022. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Check out Forming Operator jobs in Texas

Metal Forming Machine Operator

Mystaf Career Page - Wichita Falls, TX

Fitter-Machine Operator 2nd Shift

Burton Mill Solutions - RIDGEFIELD, WA

CDL A Owner Operator

Keystone Freight Corp. / National Retail Transport - AWENDAW, SC

CDL A Owner Operator

Keystone Freight Corp. / National Retail Transport - CHARLESTON, SC

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Best-Paying Cities for Forming Operator

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Forming Operator profession are Bellaire , Houston , Galena Park , Alief , South Houston .
Bellaire, TX $54,346
Houston, TX $54,346
Galena Park, TX $54,319
Alief, TX $54,319
South Houston, TX $54,259

Best-Paying States for Forming Operator

The states and districts that pay Forming Operator the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $60,281) , California (around $60,052) , Massachusetts (around $59,252) , Washington (around $59,034) , and New Jersey (around $59,012) .
District of Columbia $60,281
California $60,052
Massachusetts $59,252
Washington $59,034
New Jersey $59,012

What is the Career Path of Forming Operator?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Forming Operator, the first career path typically progresses to Injection Molding Machine Operator III.

The second career path typically starts with a Machine Operator III position , and then progresses to Machine Operator Supervisor.

The third career path typically starts with a Machinist III position , and then progresses to Machine Shop Production Supervisor I.

Additionally, the fourth career path typically starts with a Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator II position , and then progresses to Computer Numeric Controlled Machine Operator III.

Besides, Forming Operator can also turn to other related jobs, including Punch Press Operator , CNC Punch Press Operator , Operator and Punch Press Operator/Set-up .

Frequently Asked Questions for Forming Operator

Q: What is the salary range of Forming Operator in Texas?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Forming Operator in Texas earned an average annual salary of $47,022 , while the highest-paid made $59,164.
Q: What is the salary for a Forming Operator in California?
A: Forming Operator employed in California earned an average salary of $60,052 in 2025.

Average Forming Operator Pay vs. Other Jobs

Forming Operator earned an average salary of $53,105 in 2025. Other jobs related to Forming Operator earned the following average salary in April, 2025. Punch Press Operator made $43,375 , CNC Punch Press Operator made $43,400 , Operator and Punch Press Operator/Set-up made $47,896 and $43,380 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Forming Operator

Punch Press Operator - Average Salary $43,375
Configures and operates electrically powered presses to cut, shape, and form metal, plastic, or other materials used in manufacturing operations. Performs operations such as blanking, bending, punching, and forming based on blueprints and other instructions. Responsibilities include configuring equipment and calibrating gauge settings, recognizing condition of dies, loading materials onto the equipment, feeding material through die, and positioning and removing parts from the die. Keeps a record of operational data and performs routine equipment maintenance. Monitors work schedule to ascertain production information, such as size, type, and quantity to be processed. Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.
CNC Punch Press Operator - Average Salary $43,400
The CNC Punch Press Operator performs operations such as blanking, bending, punching, and forming based on blueprints and other instructions. Configures and operates electrically powered presses to cut, shape, and form metal, plastic, or other materials used in manufacturing operations. Being a CNC Punch Press Operator keeps a record of operational data and performs routine equipment maintenance. Responsibilities include configuring equipment and calibrating gauge settings, recognizing condition of dies, loading materials onto the equipment, feeding material through die, and positioning and removing parts from the die. In addition, CNC Punch Press Operator monitors work schedule to ascertain production information, such as size, type, and quantity to be processed. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager. Being a CNC Punch Press Operator gains or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Works under moderate supervision. Working as a CNC Punch Press Operator typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.
Operator - Average Salary $47,896
There is currently no job description for Operator, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Operator.
Punch Press Operator/Set-up - Average Salary $43,380
The Punch Press Operator/Set-up performs operations such as blanking, bending, punching, and forming based on blueprints and other instructions. Configures and operates electrically powered presses to cut, shape, and form metal, plastic, or other materials used in manufacturing operations. Being a Punch Press Operator/Set-up keeps a record of operational data and performs routine equipment maintenance. Responsibilities include configuring equipment and calibrating gauge settings, recognizing condition of dies, loading materials onto the equipment, feeding material through die, and positioning and removing parts from the die. In addition, Punch Press Operator/Set-up monitors work schedule to ascertain production information, such as size, type, and quantity to be processed. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager. Being a Punch Press Operator/Set-up gains or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Works under moderate supervision. Working as a Punch Press Operator/Set-up typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.
Crane Operator - Average Salary $50,727
Operates a crane to lift, move, load, unload, or position heavy materials or equipment. Performs daily safety and performance checks of crane equipment and may perform routine maintenance such as cleaning and lubricating or checking fluid levels. Communicates via hand or radio signals to receive or convey instructions. Identifies and addresses potential hazards and adheres to all safety protocols. Maintains documentation of activities including time logs and inspection reports to ensure compliance with regulations and operating procedures. Typically requires a high school diploma. May require NCCCO Certification. May require State License. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.