In Chattanooga, TN-GA, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $42,870. This figure is slightly below the national average of $47,060, a common occurrence in regions with specific industrial concentrations. Local economic factors and industry demand within the Chattanooga area contribute to this localized pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,870 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $50,120.
- Outlook: The Chattanooga, TN-GA area supports a local workforce of 430 individuals in this specialized role. With a Location Quotient of 1.4, indicating a concentration 40% higher than the national average, the job market for these metal and plastic machine operators shows a robust demand. The presence of 1.587 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the stability and potential for growth within this sector in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-8.9%below the national average.
$20.6
$824
$3,573
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Chattanooga have seen gradual growth over the past four years. This trend typically aligns with broader economic expansion, inflation adjustments, and increasing demand for skilled manufacturing labor. The consistent need for these roles in industrial hubs often translates to steady, albeit modest, salary increases.
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Career progression for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Chattanooga, TN-GA is marked by increasing earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher wages. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for advancement and increased compensation as operators gain expertise and take on more complex responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $34,090 | $16.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $32,153 | $15.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $44,030 | $21.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $53,588 | $25.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $50,120 | $24.1 |
Detailed Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,870
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,870
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $42,870 in Chattanooga, TN-GA 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 standard, offering a stable financial footing for residents. While the nominal salary is below the national average for the role, the cost of living parity suggests that the take-home pay effectively covers expenses at a comparable rate to other parts of the country.
Job Market Context
430
Total Jobs
1.587
Per 1K Jobs
1.4
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.40, Chattanooga, TN-GA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic roles compared to the national norm.
Chattanooga, TN-GA exhibits a strong concentration of metal and plastic machine operators, as evidenced by its Location Quotient of 1.4. This indicates that the region has a significantly higher proportion of these jobs compared to the national average. Such a concentration suggests a specialized industrial base that relies heavily on these skills, potentially leading to a competitive job market for employers seeking talent but offering good opportunities for skilled workers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA
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 Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $42,870. This typically ranges from $34,090 for entry-level positions to $50,120 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 8.9% lower than the national median of $47,060.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a lucrative place for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Yes, with caveats.The area offers a strong concentration of these jobs (LQ 1.4) and a cost of living matching the national average, making the $42,870 salary comparable to national purchasing power. However, the average salary is below the national average for the role.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cleveland, TN ($40,160) and Dalton, GA.
How does the Chattanooga salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA for this role is $42,870, which is below the national average of $47,060.
What is the cost of living in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100, which is exactly the national average.
Is there high demand for these machine operators in Chattanooga?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.4 indicates a concentration of these jobs 40% higher than the national average, suggesting strong local demand.
How many of these jobs are there in Chattanooga?
There are approximately 1.587 jobs per 1,000 workers in Chattanooga, TN-GA for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 430 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 1.587 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 Chattanooga, TN-GA