In Birmingham, AL, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $42,400. This figure is notably below the national average of $47,060, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand contribute to this compensation difference. The specific economic landscape of Birmingham influences the earning potential for these specialized roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,400 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $52,710.
- Outlook: Birmingham, AL boasts a significant concentration of Metal and Plastic Machine Operators, with a total local workforce of 1,450 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.48 indicates a strong presence of these jobs relative to the national average, suggesting a robust local industry demand for these skilled positions. With 2.802 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market shows a healthy absorption rate for this occupation.
Salary Overview
The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Birmingham, AL earns-9.9%below the national average.
$20.4
$815
$3,533
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for skilled manufacturing roles like Metal and Plastic Machine Operators have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This suggests a steady, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory in compensation for experienced professionals in this field within the Birmingham area.
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Birmingham, AL
Career progression for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Birmingham, AL 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 specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting their expertise and value to employers. The percentile gaps in salary distributions clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $32,250 | $15.5 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $31,800 | $15.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $41,200 | $19.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $53,000 | $25.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $52,710 | $25.3 |
Detailed Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,400
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,400
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $42,400 in Birmingham, AL aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is equivalent to the national average, indicating that the cost of essential goods and services in Birmingham is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
1,450
Total Jobs
2.802
Per 1K Jobs
2.48
Location Quotient
Birmingham, AL has 2.5x 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.
Birmingham, AL exhibits a strong concentration of Metal and Plastic Machine Operators, evidenced by a Location Quotient of 2.48. This significantly higher-than-average quotient suggests that this occupation is more prevalent in Birmingham than in the nation as a whole, indicating a specialized local industry or a higher demand for these specific skills within the region's manufacturing sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Birmingham, AL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in Birmingham, AL?
The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Birmingham, AL is $42,400. This typically ranges from $32,250 for entry-level positions to $52,710 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Birmingham, AL is 9.9% lower than the national median of $47,060.
Is Birmingham, AL a lucrative place for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
No, but the cost of living is average.While the average salary of $42,400 is below the national average, the local cost of living is exactly at the national average. This means your earnings will have average purchasing power, but the nominal salary itself is lower than the national benchmark.
Is Birmingham, 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 Birmingham, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Birmingham, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Tuscaloosa, AL ($41,820) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
How does Birmingham's salary for this role compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Birmingham, AL is $42,400, which is lower than the national average of $47,060.
What is the concentration of this job in Birmingham, AL?
Birmingham, AL has a high concentration of these roles, with a Location Quotient of 2.48, meaning the occupation is more than twice as common there compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Birmingham affect the salary?
Birmingham's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the $42,400 salary has average purchasing power, neither significantly enhanced nor diminished by local living expenses.
What is the total number of these jobs in Birmingham, AL?
There are approximately 1,450 Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic employed in the Birmingham, AL area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,450 employees in the Birmingham, AL area with a job density of 2.802 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 Birmingham, AL