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Average Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK

Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Fort Smith, AR-OK earn an average annual salary of $46,650. This figure is slightly above the national average of $46,420, indicating a stable demand for these specialized roles within the region. Local economic factors and the specific industrial landscape of Fort Smith contribute to this competitive compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $46,650 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.6% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $62,930.
  • Outlook: The job market for Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Fort Smith, AR-OK appears robust, supported by a local workforce of 260 individuals in this occupation. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 8.69 signifies a significant concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting strong regional demand and a specialized industrial base that relies heavily on these skilled positions.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$46,650

The average Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns+0.5%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$22.4

Weekly

$897

Monthly

$3,888

Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK

Experience plays a crucial role in the earning potential for Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders. Entry-level positions typically offer a starting salary, while senior operators with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher compensation. The progression from junior to senior roles is often marked by increasing responsibilities, the ability to troubleshoot complex issues, and proficiency with advanced machinery, reflected in the widening salary percentile gaps.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$37,000$17.8
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$34,988$16.8
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$42,680$20.5
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$58,313$28
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$62,930$30.3

Detailed Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$46,650

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$46,650

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $46,650 in Fort Smith, AR-OK aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, making Fort Smith an economically stable location for these professionals. The salary effectively covers the cost of living without significant strain, offering a balanced lifestyle.

Job Market Context

260

Total Jobs

2.68

Per 1K Jobs

8.69

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Fort Smith, AR-OK has 8.7x the national concentration of Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

With a Location Quotient of 8.69, Fort Smith, AR-OK presents a highly concentrated market for Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders. This indicates that the region has a disproportionately large number of these jobs relative to the national average, suggesting a specialized industrial ecosystem that heavily relies on this workforce. While this concentration points to strong local demand, it also implies a potentially competitive environment for new entrants seeking these roles.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK

Hiring Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenderss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?

The median annual salary for a Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $46,650. This typically ranges from $37,000 for entry-level positions to $62,930 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 0.5% higher than the national median of $46,420.

Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenderss?

Yes, Fort Smith, AR-OK offers competitive compensation for these roles.The average salary of $46,650 is slightly above the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, providing good purchasing power.

Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?

The Cost of Living Index in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Smith, AR-OK?

Some top paying nearby cities include Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR ($48,060) and others.

How does the local workforce size impact job availability?

A local workforce of 260 suggests a substantial, established presence of these roles, indicating consistent demand and opportunities within the region.

What does a Location Quotient of 8.69 mean for this job?

A Location Quotient of 8.69 signifies that Fort Smith has a significantly higher concentration of these jobs than the national average, pointing to specialized regional industry needs.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in Fort Smith?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $46,650 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average, making it a stable financial environment.

Are there many job opportunities for Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Fort Smith?

The high concentration (LQ of 8.69) and a notable number of jobs per 1,000 workers (2.68) suggest a healthy and active job market for these specialized positions in Fort Smith.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 260 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 2.68 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.