In Fort Smith, AR-OK, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $40,490. This figure is notably below the national average of $47,060, suggesting that local economic factors and industry demand play a significant role in compensation within this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,490 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,660.
- Outlook: The local job market for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Fort Smith, AR-OK, shows a robust concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.96. With a total local workforce of 210 in this role, the demand appears to be higher than the national average, suggesting a stable environment for these skilled positions.
Salary Overview
The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-14.0%below the national average.
$19.5
$779
$3,374
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 the salaries for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Fort Smith, AR-OK have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typical for skilled manufacturing roles as industries adapt to technological advancements and evolving market demands.
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Salary progression for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Fort Smith, AR-OK typically scales 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, reflecting the value of their expertise and years of dedicated service.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $32,460 | $15.6 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $30,368 | $14.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $39,170 | $18.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $50,613 | $24.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $48,660 | $23.4 |
Detailed Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,490
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,490
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $40,490 in Fort Smith, AR-OK aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing for residents without the added financial pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
2.221
Per 1K Jobs
1.96
Location Quotient
Fort Smith, AR-OK has 2.0x 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.
The Location Quotient of 1.96 for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Fort Smith, AR-OK indicates a strong regional concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the Fort Smith area is a significant hub for this industry, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive market for skilled workers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary | $48,060↑ 19% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
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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 Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $40,490. This typically ranges from $32,460 for entry-level positions to $48,660 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 14.0% lower than the national median of $47,060.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
No, it is not more lucrative than the national average.While the local cost of living is average, the average salary of $40,490 is below the national average of $47,060. However, the high location quotient suggests strong local demand.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Smith, AR-OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR ($48,060) and others.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $40,490, which is lower than the national average of $47,060.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient in Fort Smith?
A Location Quotient of 1.96 signifies that this role is more than twice as concentrated in Fort Smith, AR-OK compared to the national average, indicating a strong local industry presence.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Fort Smith?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the Fort Smith, AR-OK salary of $40,490 has the same purchasing power as the national average, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in terms of affordability.
What is the total number of these jobs in Fort Smith?
There are approximately 210 Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic employed in the Fort Smith, AR-OK region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 2.221 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 Fort Smith, AR-OK