In Decatur, AL, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $43,370. This figure is slightly below the national average of $47,060, suggesting localized economic factors or industry demand may influence compensation in this region. The specific dynamics of the manufacturing sector within Decatur play a crucial role in shaping these salary benchmarks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $43,370 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $54,990.
- Outlook: Decatur, AL boasts a robust local workforce of 280 individuals in this specialized field, with a significant concentration indicated by a Location Quotient of 4.21. This high quotient suggests a strong presence and demand for these roles relative to the national average, pointing towards a stable and potentially growing job market for metal and plastic machine operators in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Decatur, AL earns-7.8%below the national average.
$20.9
$834
$3,614
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Decatur is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for skilled manufacturing positions like metal and plastic machine setters have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This upward trajectory is likely driven by increasing operational demands and the need to retain experienced talent within the local industrial base.
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Decatur, AL
Career progression for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Decatur, AL 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 significantly higher salaries, reflecting the valuable expertise they bring to manufacturing operations. The percentile gaps in salary distributions highlight these opportunities for advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $36,930 | $17.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $32,528 | $15.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $39,720 | $19.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $54,213 | $26.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $54,990 | $26.4 |
Detailed Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$43,370
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,370
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $43,370 in Decatur, AL aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Decatur is comparable to the national average, making the nominal income translate directly to a similar standard of living as experienced elsewhere in the country.
Job Market Context
280
Total Jobs
4.762
Per 1K Jobs
4.21
Location Quotient
Decatur, AL has 4.2x 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 4.21, Decatur, AL 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 professionals is substantially higher in Decatur compared to the national average, suggesting a competitive environment for employers seeking talent and favorable opportunities for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
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Comparing salaries near Decatur, AL
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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 Decatur, AL?
The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Decatur, AL is $43,370. This typically ranges from $36,930 for entry-level positions to $54,990 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Decatur, AL is 7.8% lower than the national median of $47,060.
Is Decatur, AL a lucrative place for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Yes, with a caveat regarding national averages.Decatur, AL presents a strong job market with a high concentration of these roles (LQ 4.21), indicating significant local demand. While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning your earnings have comparable purchasing power.
Is Decatur, AL a good place to live for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Decatur, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Decatur, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Huntsville, AL ($43,160) and Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL.
How does Decatur's salary for this role compare to the national average?
The average annual salary in Decatur, AL is $43,370, which is slightly lower than the national average of $47,060.
What is the concentration of these jobs in Decatur, AL?
Decatur, AL has a high concentration of these jobs, with a Location Quotient of 4.21, significantly above the national average of 1.0.
How does the cost of living in Decatur affect the salary?
Decatur's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $43,370 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the total local workforce size suggest about job availability?
With a total local workforce of 280 in this role, Decatur demonstrates a substantial presence of these jobs, indicating a stable market for skilled metal and plastic machine operators.
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 Decatur, AL area with a job density of 4.762 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 Decatur, AL