In the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $45,150. This figure is slightly below the national average of $47,060, a common occurrence in regions with a lower cost of living and potentially different industry demands compared to major metropolitan hubs. Local economic factors and the specific manufacturing landscape significantly influence this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,150 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,280.
- Outlook: The job market for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 480 individuals. The location quotient of 2.94 strongly indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a significant and established demand for these skilled positions within the region's industrial sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-4.1%below the national average.
$21.7
$868
$3,763
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This trend would likely mirror broader economic recovery and inflation, alongside any localized increases in demand for manufactured goods produced by these specialized roles.
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
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 seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles of the reported average. These percentile gaps clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $33,180 | $16 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $33,863 | $16.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $46,340 | $22.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $56,438 | $27.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $57,280 | $27.5 |
Detailed Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,150
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,150
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $45,150 in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the nominal income earned by these machine operators holds its purchasing power comparably to the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment where wages are relatively in sync with everyday expenses.
Job Market Context
480
Total Jobs
3.329
Per 1K Jobs
2.94
Location Quotient
East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area has 2.9x 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 2.94, the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs than the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially less saturated market, where these roles are more prevalent and in demand relative to the overall workforce, offering a unique advantage to those in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
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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 East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $45,150. This typically ranges from $33,180 for entry-level positions to $57,280 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 4.1% lower than the national median of $47,060.
Is East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Yes, with a strong concentration of jobs.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the high location quotient of 2.94 indicates a significant demand and concentration of these roles. The cost of living being at the national average further supports the value of this salary.
Is East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($46,340) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 480 suggests a stable and established presence of these roles, indicating consistent demand and opportunities within the region's manufacturing sector.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.94 mean for job seekers?
A location quotient significantly above 1.0, like 2.94, means these jobs are more concentrated in East Tennessee than nationally, implying a specialized market with potentially more opportunities relative to the general job pool.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the $45,150 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100 (national average), the $45,150 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable income in the region.
Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers for this role in East Tennessee?
With 3.329 jobs per 1,000 workers, this indicates a solid presence of these positions within the local employment landscape, reflecting consistent industry needs.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 480 employees in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.329 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 East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area