The table below provides information about the number of workers in this occupation in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.
Employment
Major employers:
- Plastics products manufacturers
- Motor vehicle parts manufacturers
- Machine shops and nut, bolt, and screw manufacturers
- Metal products manufacturers
- Metal forging and stamping companies
- Temporary worker agencies
Outlook
Growth in this occupation is declining. The decline is tied to the decline in the manufacturing industry. More plastic and metal parts are manufactured overseas. Automation means that many parts can be made by machines and robots. Fewer workers are required.
Many job openings will occur as current metal and plastic processing machine operators retire or switch to other occupations. Job prospects are best for those with experience operating computer-controlled equipment.
Metal and Plastic Processing Workers (CIS 100379)
Location | Employment | & | Growth | >>>> | Annual openings | |
This occupation |
All occupations |
|||||
Illinois |
38,339 Very large |
& |
-5.8% |
5.8% |
>>>> |
3,754 Very High |
Champaign Area |
617 Very large |
& |
2.1% |
7.0% |
>>>> |
68 Very High |
Charleston-Effingham-Centralia Area |
1,244 Very large |
& |
-0.8% |
5.0% |
>>>> |
132 Very High |
Cook County |
12,355 Very large |
& |
-2.9% |
5.6% |
>>>> |
1,267 Very High |
Decatur Area |
383 Very large |
& |
-1.8% |
7.0% |
>>>> |
38 Very High |
DeKalb-Elgin-Aurora Area |
2,762 Very large |
& |
3.7% |
9.7% |
>>>> |
312 Very High |
Du Page County |
4,035 Very large |
& |
-4.9% |
5.4% |
>>>> |
398 Very High |
Edwardsville Area |
1,197 Very large |
& |
-42.7% |
5.1% |
>>>> |
52 Very High |
Jacksonville-Carlinville-Litchfield Area |
276 Very large |
& |
4.0% |
7.0% |
>>>> |
28 Very High |
Kankakee-Morris-Pontiac Area |
472 Very large |
& |
-0.8% |
5.2% |
>>>> |
52 Very High |
Lake County |
2,779 Very large |
& |
-0.1% |
8.6% |
>>>> |
296 Very High |
McHenry County |
1,164 Very large |
& |
-1.7% |
6.8% |
>>>> |
125 Very High |
Mt Vernon-Marion-Carbondale Area |
944 Very large |
& |
7.7% |
6.8% |
>>>> |
114 Very High |
Northwest Illinois Area |
1,281 Very large |
& |
-3.4% |
3.6% |
>>>> |
131 Very High |
Peoria-Bloomington Area |
1,809 Very large |
& |
-1.2% |
7.3% |
>>>> |
192 Very High |
Quincy-Macomb-Galesburg Area |
615 Very large |
& |
-0.7% |
4.3% |
>>>> |
65 Very High |
Rock Island-Moline Area |
670 Very large |
& |
-3.6% |
5.7% |
>>>> |
69 Very High |
Rockford Area |
2,762 Very large |
& |
-5.5% |
7.6% |
>>>> |
267 Very High |
Shawnee National Forest Area |
214 Very large |
& |
-3.3% |
2.4% |
>>>> |
20 Very High |
Springfield Area |
400 Very large |
& |
-5.0% |
4.7% |
>>>> |
41 High |
St Louis-Belleville Area |
610 Very large |
& |
-17.9% |
6.4% |
>>>> |
48 Very High |
Vermilion County |
331 Very large |
& |
-2.7% |
4.9% |
>>>> |
34 Very High |
Will County |
1,339 Very large |
& |
2.2% |
9.1% |
>>>> |
147 Very High |
United States |
843,900 Very large |
& |
-7.8% |
3.7% |
>>>> |
67,800 Very High |