In Auburn-Opelika, AL, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $35,450. This figure is notably below the national average of $47,060, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as industry demand and the availability of skilled labor, play a significant role in determining compensation within this specific region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,450 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,900.
- Outlook: The local job market for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Auburn-Opelika, AL, shows a robust concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.93, significantly exceeding the national average. With a total local workforce of 240 in this role, the demand appears to be substantial relative to the national landscape, suggesting a stable or growing employment environment for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Auburn-Opelika, AL earns-24.7%below the national average.
$17
$682
$2,954
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Auburn-Opelika is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for skilled manufacturing positions like Metal Press Operators have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring broader economic recovery and increased demand for manufactured goods. This growth is often driven by inflation, technological advancements requiring updated skill sets, and a competitive labor market.
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Auburn-Opelika, AL
Career progression for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles often reflects a substantial increase in earning potential, underscoring the value of accumulated expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $23,330 | $11.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $26,588 | $12.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $35,630 | $17.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $44,313 | $21.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $45,900 | $22.1 |
Detailed Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,450
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,450
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $35,450 in Auburn-Opelika, AL, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average for the role, the purchasing power of that salary locally is comparable to the national average, indicating that the lower nominal wage is offset by a balanced cost of living.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
3.317
Per 1K Jobs
2.93
Location Quotient
Auburn-Opelika, AL has 2.9x the national concentration of Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 2.93 for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Auburn-Opelika, AL, signifies a highly concentrated industry presence. This indicates that the region has a significantly larger proportion of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a specialized market where these skills are in high demand and potentially more competitive for employers seeking talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Auburn-Opelika, AL
Hiring Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $35,450. This typically ranges from $23,330 for entry-level positions to $45,900 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 24.7% lower than the national median of $47,060.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a lucrative place for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
No, it is not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the Cost of Living is at the national average, the average salary of $35,450 is substantially lower than the national average of $47,060 for this role.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a good place to live for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Auburn-Opelika, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbus, GA-AL ($33,590) and Montgomery, AL.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?
A local workforce of 240 in this role suggests a dedicated segment of the labor market, and combined with a high Location Quotient, it points to a strong presence and potential demand for these specialized skills within the Auburn-Opelika area.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.93 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 2.93 indicates that jobs for Metal Press Operators are nearly three times more common in Auburn-Opelika than the national average, suggesting a favorable market for those seeking employment in this field.
How does the Cost of Living in Auburn-Opelika compare nationally?
Auburn-Opelika's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general expenses for housing, utilities, and everyday goods are on par with the rest of the country.
What is the average number of jobs per 1,000 workers for this role in Auburn-Opelika?
There are approximately 3.317 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Auburn-Opelika, AL, reflecting the local industry's employment density.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Auburn-Opelika, AL area with a job density of 3.317 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Auburn-Opelika, AL