SalaryNode

Average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary in Columbus, IN

In Columbus, IN, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $45,060. This figure is slightly below the national average of $47,060, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and industry demand within the state. The specific economic landscape of Columbus, IN, shapes the compensation for these vital manufacturing roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $45,060 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $55,030.
  • Outlook: The job market for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Columbus, IN, appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 290 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 4.99 signifies a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong local industry reliance and potential for sustained employment opportunities.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$45,060

The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Columbus, IN earns-4.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$21.7

Weekly

$867

Monthly

$3,755

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Columbus, IN

Career progression for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Columbus, IN, 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 specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries significantly higher than the average, reflecting their value and expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$36,390$17.5
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$33,795$16.2
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$45,310$21.8
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$56,325$27.1
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$55,030$26.5

Detailed Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$45,060

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$45,060

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $45,060 in Columbus, IN, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living (100). This means that the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the national standard, making relocation financially neutral from a cost-of-living perspective, though other factors like job availability and quality of life should also be considered.

Job Market Context

290

Total Jobs

5.643

Per 1K Jobs

4.99

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Columbus, IN has 5.0x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 4.99, Columbus, IN, demonstrates a highly concentrated market for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. This indicates that the demand for these roles is nearly five times the national average relative to the workforce size, suggesting a competitive environment for employers seeking talent and potentially favorable conditions for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in Columbus, IN?

The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Columbus, IN is $45,060. This typically ranges from $36,390 for entry-level positions to $55,030 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Columbus, IN is 4.2% lower than the national median of $47,060.

Is Columbus, IN a lucrative place for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?

Yes, it offers competitive opportunities relative to national averages.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the high concentration of these jobs (LQ of 4.99) and a national average cost of living suggest strong local demand and stable earning potential.

Is Columbus, IN a good place to live for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?

The Cost of Living Index in Columbus, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Columbus, IN?

Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IN ($43,330) and Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN.

How does the Columbus, IN salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary in Columbus, IN, is $45,060, which is slightly lower than the national average of $47,060.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in Columbus, IN?

An LQ of 4.99 indicates that the concentration of Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs in Columbus, IN, is almost five times higher than the national average, signifying a strong local industry presence.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in Columbus, IN?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is exactly at the national average, meaning the $45,060 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.

What does the total local workforce size suggest about job availability?

A total local workforce of 290 for this role indicates a significant number of positions, suggesting a stable and accessible job market for qualified individuals in Columbus, IN.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the Columbus, IN area with a job density of 5.643 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.