In California, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $49,670. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $47,060, suggesting that the state's robust manufacturing sector and higher operational costs contribute to increased compensation for these skilled roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $49,670 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,210.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 7,340 individuals, California demonstrates a significant presence in this specialized field. The location quotient of 0.36 indicates that while the concentration of these jobs is below the national average, the sheer volume of employment suggests a stable, albeit not hyper-concentrated, demand for these skilled metal and plastic machine operators within the state's industrial landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California earns+5.5%above the national average.
$23.9
$955
$4,139
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 reasonable to assume a positive salary growth trend for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California over the past four years. Economic factors, including inflation, increased demand for manufactured goods, and evolving industry standards, typically drive incremental salary increases in skilled trades.
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in California
Salary progression for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the reported average.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $37,010 | $17.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $37,253 | $17.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $47,100 | $22.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $62,088 | $29.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $61,210 | $29.4 |
Detailed Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$49,670
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,863
Adjusted for COL (138.5)
The average annual salary of $49,670 in California for this role must be considered alongside the state's high Cost of Living Index of 138.5. While the nominal salary exceeds the national average, the increased cost of goods and services means that the purchasing power of this salary may be less than it appears when compared to areas with a lower cost of living.
Job Market Context
7,340
Total Jobs
0.407
Per 1K Jobs
0.36
Location Quotient
At 0.36x, California has a notably lower concentration of Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
A location quotient of 0.36 signifies that California has fewer Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs per worker relative to the national average. This suggests that while the state employs a considerable number of these professionals, the market is not overly saturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
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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 California?
The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California is $49,670. This typically ranges from $37,010 for entry-level positions to $61,210 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in California is 5.5% higher than the national median of $47,060.
Is California a lucrative place for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Yes, with caveats.California offers a higher average salary ($49,670) than the national average ($47,060), but this is offset by a significantly higher cost of living (138.5).
Is California a good place to live for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near California?
Some top paying nearby cities include Visalia, CA ($43,380) and Fresno, CA.
How does California's average salary compare to the national average for this role?
The average annual salary in California for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic is $49,670, which is higher than the national average of $47,060.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in California for this job?
A Location Quotient of 0.36 indicates that this profession is less concentrated in California compared to the national average, suggesting a moderate presence within the state's workforce.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the perceived value of the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, California is considerably more expensive than the national average, meaning the $49,670 salary may have less purchasing power locally than it would in a lower-cost state.
What does the total local workforce number imply?
A total local workforce of 7,340 indicates a substantial number of individuals employed in this role within California, reflecting a significant industrial sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,340 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.407 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 California