In Charleston-North Charleston, SC, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $46,120. This figure is slightly below the national average of $47,060, suggesting localized market dynamics and potentially a different demand-supply equilibrium at play within the region's industrial sector. The specific economic conditions and industry concentration in Charleston-North Charleston influence this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $46,120 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,320.
- Outlook: The Charleston-North Charleston area supports a local workforce of 280 individuals in this specialized role. With a Location Quotient of 0.63, the concentration of these jobs is below the national average, indicating that while the profession exists, it is not as densely populated as in other regions. The rate of 0.709 jobs per 1,000 workers further contextualizes the presence of these roles within the broader employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Charleston-North Charleston, SC earns-2.0%below the national average.
$22.2
$887
$3,843
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Charleston-North Charleston is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for skilled manufacturing positions like Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is often driven by increasing demand for manufactured goods and the need to retain skilled labor in a competitive market.
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Career progression for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive knowledge of machine operation, maintenance, and safety protocols can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this progression, with senior operators often earning well above the average.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $35,830 | $17.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $34,590 | $16.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $44,090 | $21.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $57,650 | $27.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $56,320 | $27.1 |
Detailed Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$46,120
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$46,120
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $46,120 in Charleston-North Charleston aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability for residents compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
280
Total Jobs
0.709
Per 1K Jobs
0.63
Location Quotient
Charleston-North Charleston, SC has 0.63x the national average concentration of Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.63, the job market for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Charleston-North Charleston is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the field is not a dominant industry in the region, potentially leading to a more moderate level of competition for available positions compared to areas with higher LQs.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Charleston-North Charleston, SC
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 Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $46,120. This typically ranges from $35,830 for entry-level positions to $56,320 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 2.0% lower than the national median of $47,060.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a lucrative place for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $46,120 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering no distinct financial advantage.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place to live for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Sumter, SC ($40,020) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How does the Charleston-North Charleston salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary in Charleston-North Charleston is $46,120, which is slightly lower than the national average of $47,060 for this role.
What is the concentration of this job in Charleston-North Charleston?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.63, indicating that this job is less prevalent in Charleston-North Charleston compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Charleston-North Charleston?
The cost of living in Charleston-North Charleston is at the national average (100), meaning the $46,120 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What does the job market size suggest for this role in Charleston-North Charleston?
With 280 workers and 0.709 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market is present but not a major employer, suggesting moderate job availability.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 280 employees in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area with a job density of 0.709 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 Charleston-North Charleston, SC