Metalworking and Forging Machine Operators
(NOC 9416)
in All Manufacturing and UtilitiesLight metalworking machine operators use metalworking machines that shape and form sheet or other light metal into parts or products. They work for sheet metal products manufacturing companies, sheet metal shops and other light metal products manufacturing companies. Heavy metalworking machine operators use metalworking machines that shape and form steel or other heavy metal into parts or products. Forging machine operators use forging machines to form and shape metal into various shapes and sizes and impart desired strength, hardness or other characteristics. They work for structural steel fabrication, boiler and platework manufacturing companies, heavy machinery manufacturing companies and in the shipbuilding industry. Forging machine operators work in the metal products, machinery and transportation equipment manufacturing industries.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
Read more
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$19.00
Median$22.10
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$37,250
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
Hourly Pay
$14.00
Minimum$20.80
Median$33.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,056
Minimum$30,111
Median$70,518
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Light metalworking machine operators use metalworking machines that shape and form sheet or other light metal into parts or products. They work for sheet metal products manufacturing companies, sheet metal shops and other light metal products manufacturing companies.
Heavy metalworking machine operators use metalworking machines that shape and form steel or other heavy metal into parts or products. Forging machine operators use forging machines to form and shape metal into various shapes and sizes and impart desired strength, hardness or other characteristics. They work for structural steel fabrication, boiler and platework manufacturing companies, heavy machinery manufacturing companies and in the shipbuilding industry. Forging machine operators work in the metal products, machinery and transportation equipment manufacturing industries.
Job duties
Metalworking machine operators:
- Read specifications or follow spoken instructions.
- Lay out, set up and use one or more light or heavy metalworking machines.
- Use machines or equipment that weld, solder, bolt, screw or rivet metal parts together.
- Check products for correct shapes, dimensions and other specifications.
- Investigate problems and fix or make minor repairs.
- May select and transport material to work area manually or using crane or hoist.
- May document work completed.
- May build staging or scaffolding as required for heavy metalworking jobs.
- May clean or lubricate equipment and replace parts as required.
Forging machine operators:
- Use gas or oil furnaces to heat metal to proper temperature before forging.
- Place metal pieces in furnace using hand tongs or overhead cranes and remove from furnace when colour of metal indicates proper forging temperature, or load and unload furnace with automatic conveyor.
- Position heated or cold metal pieces, on die of press or other forging machinery.
- Use presses or other forging machines to perform hot or cold forging to shape or form metal.
- Position and adjust dies on anvil of forging machinery using overhead cranes or other hoisting devices and hand tools.
Sample job titles
- bending press operator
- cold press operator
- disk flange operator
- drop hammer operator
- electric arc cutter
- forging press operator
- metalworking machine operator
- power brake operator
- power press operator
- punch press setter
- roll operator
- saw operator
- shear setter
- sheet metal roll operator
Skills
- You should be responsible, alert, and in good physical health. Coordination, agility, and a mechanical ability are important. You must be accurate and pay attention to detail. You must also be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- High school may be necessary.
- On-the-job training is provided.
- Experience as a labourer or helper in the same company may be required.
Other considerations
- Shiftwork is common in these jobs. There is little or no movement between operators of light and heavy metalworking machines.
- Movement to structural metal fabricator or supervisory positions is possible with experience for metalworking machine operators.
- Movement to blacksmith, die setting, or supervisory positions is possible with experience for forging machine operators.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$39,890 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$46,096 median annual incomeSouthern
N/ANorth Shore
N/ACape Breton
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Manufacturing
Construction
Wholesale trade
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
35-44
25-34
55-64
65+
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
High school
$37,147 median annual incomeLess than high school
$38,902 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
N/ABachelor
N/ACompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
High school
$28,505 median annual incomeLess than high school
$19,224 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$38,781 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$43,975 median annual incomeBachelor
$39,715 median annual incomeEducation & training
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.