Setting up a job means installing and aligning dies, hammers, and stop guides, often with an overhead crane, then running a sample piece to confirm the setup matches spec before full production starts. Operators adjust ram pressure and stroke depth by hand and inspect parts against tolerances throughout the run, checking in with coworkers when something needs correcting. It's physically demanding work around hazardous, noisy equipment, in a trade that has been shrinking as forging automates or moves overseas, with jobs here projected to decline by nearly 19 percent.
Pros
No degree required, just a high school diploma and on-the-job training to start
Pay can climb to nearly $69k with experience
Hands-on skilled work setting up and running heavy forging equipment
Cons
Employment projected to shrink sharply over the next decade (-18.9%)
Only about 600 jobs nationwide, so positions are scarce and geographically limited
Above-average hours, often more than a standard 40-hour week
A typical day
The forge shop is already loud at 7: the operator's first job is a die change on the press, blocks rigged and aligned to the thousandth, then the furnace checked — billets soaking at temperature, glowing the orange that experienced eyes read like a gauge. Production is rhythm and respect: billet out with tongs, into the die, the press strike shaking the floor, the forging out to the conveyor, again. Every twentieth part gets measured hot; die wear shows in the numbers before it shows in the part. The afternoon brings a hydraulic pressure drift diagnosed with maintenance, end-of-run counts, and dies dressed for tomorrow — heavy industry where craftsmanship still decides quality.
Tasks at the job
Measure and inspect machined parts to ensure conformance to product specifications.
Set up, operate, or tend presses and forging machines to perform hot or cold forging by flattening, straightening, bending, cutting, piercing, or other operations to taper, shape, or form metal.
Turn handles or knobs to set pressures and depths of ram strokes and to synchronize machine operations.
Install, adjust, and remove dies, synchronizing cams, forging hammers, and stop guides, using overhead cranes or other hoisting devices, and hand tools.
Start machines to produce sample workpieces, and observe operations to detect machine malfunctions and to verify that machine setups conform to specifications.
Confer with other workers about machine setups and operational specifications.
Workplace & working conditions
Work happens indoors, though not always in a climate-controlled space, and most of the day is spent on your feet. Noise levels can be distracting or uncomfortable. The role involves regular exposure to hazardous equipment or conditions and contaminants, and standard protective equipment (gloves, safety glasses, and similar) is expected.
The pace is often fast, with real time pressure to meet deadlines. You'll regularly deal with frustrated or upset people as part of the job.
Education necessary or common
High school diploma; some on-the-job training or apprenticeship
Licenses & certifications
OSHA 10
MSSC Certified Production Technician
Crane/hoist and forklift certifications (employer-provided)