In Central Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $44,710. This figure is slightly below the national average of $47,060, a common trend in regions with a lower cost of living and a more specialized industrial base. The local economic landscape and demand for these specific manufacturing roles directly influence this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,710 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,520.
- Outlook: The Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area supports a dedicated workforce of 390 individuals in roles related to metal and plastic machine operation. With a Location Quotient of 1.86, this sector is significantly more concentrated than the national average, indicating a robust local demand and a specialized job market for these skilled positions.
Salary Overview
The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area earns-5.0%below the national average.
$21.5
$860
$3,726
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise role in Central Pennsylvania is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a steady or growing salary trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns in manufacturing. Increased automation, evolving production techniques, and consistent demand for manufactured goods likely contribute to incremental salary increases for experienced operators.
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan areas typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive knowledge of machine maintenance, quality control, and complex setups can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting their expertise and value to employers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $34,440 | $16.6 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $33,533 | $16.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $44,330 | $21.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $55,888 | $26.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $57,520 | $27.7 |
Detailed Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,710
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,710
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $44,710 in Central Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living regions.
Job Market Context
390
Total Jobs
2.105
Per 1K Jobs
1.86
Location Quotient
Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area has 1.9x 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.86 signifies that Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan areas have a concentration of Metal and Plastic Machine Operators nearly double the national average. This suggests a strong, specialized market where these skills are in higher demand relative to the general workforce, potentially leading to more job opportunities and competitive hiring for qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
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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 Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is $44,710. This typically ranges from $34,440 for entry-level positions to $57,520 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 5.0% lower than the national median of $47,060.
Is Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, it offers good value due to cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the effective purchasing power comparable. The high concentration of these jobs (LQ 1.86) indicates strong local demand.
Is Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Williamsport, PA ($44,140) and Elmira, NY.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 390 suggests a stable, established presence of these roles, indicating consistent demand and a community of skilled workers.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.86 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.86 means these jobs are significantly more common in this region than nationally, suggesting a higher probability of finding employment in this field.
How does the salary compare to the national average in real terms?
With a salary of $44,710 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, the real value of the salary is on par with the national average, offering similar purchasing power.
Are there opportunities for career advancement in this role?
Yes, experience typically leads to higher salaries, with senior operators earning more due to specialized skills and responsibilities, indicating clear career progression paths.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 390 employees in the Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.105 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 Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area