SalaryNode

Average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary in Erie, PA

In Erie, PA, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $43,750. This figure is slightly below the national average of $47,060, a common occurrence in regions with specific industrial concentrations. The local economic landscape and demand for these specialized manufacturing roles significantly influence this compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $43,750 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 47.6% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,490.
  • Outlook: The job market for Metal and Plastic Machine Operators in Erie, PA, shows a robust concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.79, significantly exceeding the national average. With a local workforce of 380 individuals in this role, and 3.154 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand within this specific sector appears strong and well-established within the region's industrial framework.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$43,750

The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Erie, PA earns-7.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$21

Weekly

$841

Monthly

$3,646

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Erie, PA

Career progression for Metal and Plastic Machine Operators in Erie, PA, 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 advanced skills and a proven track record can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this growth, with senior operators often earning substantially more than their less experienced counterparts.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$31,120$15
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$32,813$15.8
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$42,990$20.7
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$54,688$26.3
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$59,490$28.6

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

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$43,750

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$43,750

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $43,750 in Erie, PA, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the nominal wage offers a standard of living consistent with the rest of the country, without the added financial pressure of a high cost of living.

Job Market Context

380

Total Jobs

3.154

Per 1K Jobs

2.79

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Erie, PA has 2.8x 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.

Erie, PA, exhibits a highly concentrated market for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 2.79. This indicates that this profession is significantly more prevalent in Erie than the national average, suggesting a specialized industrial base and potentially a competitive environment for both employers seeking talent and individuals seeking employment in this niche.

Nearby Job Markets

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 Erie, PA?

The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Erie, PA is $43,750. This typically ranges from $31,120 for entry-level positions to $59,490 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Erie, PA is 7.0% lower than the national median of $47,060.

Is Erie, PA 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.While the concentration of these jobs is high, the average salary of $43,750 is below the national average of $47,060. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the salary's purchasing power comparable.

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

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Erie, PA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Youngstown-Warren, OH ($42,580) and Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY.

What is the average salary for this role in Erie, PA?

The average annual salary for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Erie, PA, is $43,750.

How does the Erie, PA salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Erie, PA ($43,750) is slightly lower than the national average ($47,060).

What does the Location Quotient of 2.79 mean for this job in Erie, PA?

A Location Quotient of 2.79 signifies that this profession is 2.79 times more concentrated in Erie, PA, compared to the national average, indicating a strong local industry presence.

How does the cost of living in Erie, PA affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Erie, PA, matches the national average, meaning the $43,750 salary offers standard purchasing power relative to the rest of the country.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 380 employees in the Erie, PA area with a job density of 3.154 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.