For more information on wages for specific occupations, see the career profiles for Plating Machine Set-up Operators , Heat Treaters , Foundry Workers , Forge Shop Workers and Machine Tool Operators . Earnings in the steel and plastic industries vary by occupation and experience. In addition, area of the country, industry, and plant size can effect wages. Some firms link bonuses to output. Union members tend to earn higher wages.
Most workers receive health insurance, paid vacation, and pension plans.
The following numbers of people employed as metal and plastic processing workers in Indiana in 1998. In addition, see the occupational profiles for Plating Machine Set-up Operators , Heat Treaters , Foundry Workers , Forge Shop Workers and Machine Tool Operators . National Outlook Nationally, employment of steel processing workers is expected to decline through 2008. Most of this decline will be caused by advancements in technology and machinery. Many firms are adding computer-controlled machine tools.