In Columbia, SC, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $44,590. This figure is slightly below the national average of $47,060, reflecting a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and industry demand within the state. While not reaching the national benchmark, this salary provides a specific economic context for these vital manufacturing roles in the South Carolina capital.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,590 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $51,660.
- Outlook: The local job market for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Columbia, SC, shows a stable presence with a total workforce of 410 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.95 indicates that this profession is nearly as concentrated in Columbia as it is nationally, suggesting a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these skilled workers within the region's manufacturing sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Columbia, SC earns-5.2%below the national average.
$21.4
$858
$3,716
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Columbia, SC is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typical for skilled manufacturing positions as demand for production output continues.
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC
Career progression for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 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 extensive knowledge and specialized skills can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight these opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $36,720 | $17.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $33,443 | $16.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $45,610 | $21.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $55,738 | $26.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $51,660 | $24.8 |
Detailed Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,590
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,590
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $44,590 in Columbia, SC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in Columbia is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
410
Total Jobs
1.071
Per 1K Jobs
0.95
Location Quotient
Columbia, SC has 0.95x 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 0.95, the job market for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Columbia, SC, is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced market where the number of available jobs is relatively proportional to the number of workers in the field, indicating moderate competition and steady employment opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Columbia, SC
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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 Columbia, SC?
The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Columbia, SC is $44,590. This typically ranges from $36,720 for entry-level positions to $51,660 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 5.2% lower than the national median of $47,060.
Is Columbia, 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 $44,590 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, indicating standard earning potential.
Is Columbia, 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 Columbia, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Columbia, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($42,630) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 410 suggests a moderate-sized pool of professionals, indicating a stable but not overly saturated market for these roles in Columbia, SC.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.95 mean for this job?
A Location Quotient of 0.95 signifies that the concentration of these jobs in Columbia, SC, is very close to the national average, implying a steady demand that mirrors national trends.
How does the Cost of Living Index of 100 impact the salary?
An index of 100 means the cost of living in Columbia, SC, is average nationally. Therefore, the $44,590 salary has average purchasing power, offering no significant cost-of-living advantage or disadvantage.
What is the ratio of these jobs to the general workforce in Columbia, SC?
With 1.071 jobs per 1,000 workers, this indicates that for every thousand individuals employed in Columbia, SC, just over one position is for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender, 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 410 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 1.071 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 Columbia, SC