In Fort Wayne, IN, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $45,860. This figure is slightly below the national average of $47,060, suggesting a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the manufacturing sector within the area. The presence of a significant local workforce contributes to this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,860 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,890.
- Outlook: Fort Wayne boasts a robust job market for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 1,210 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 4.78 indicates a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average, signaling strong local demand and a well-established industry presence.
Salary Overview
The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Fort Wayne, IN earns-2.5%below the national average.
$22.1
$882
$3,822
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 Fort Wayne have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Increased demand for manufactured goods and advancements in automation likely contribute to upward pressure on wages within this skilled trade.
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Fort Wayne, IN
Career progression for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Fort Wayne 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, reflecting the value of their expertise and the responsibility they undertake.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $35,850 | $17.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $34,395 | $16.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $45,730 | $22 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $57,325 | $27.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $58,890 | $28.3 |
Detailed Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,860
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,860
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $45,860 in Fort Wayne, IN, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the national average, making Fort Wayne an economically stable location for these metal and plastic machine operators.
Job Market Context
1,210
Total Jobs
5.413
Per 1K Jobs
4.78
Location Quotient
Fort Wayne, IN has 4.8x 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.
Fort Wayne's Location Quotient of 4.78 for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that the demand for these specialized roles is significantly higher in Fort Wayne relative to the rest of the country, suggesting a competitive environment for employers seeking talent and ample opportunities for skilled workers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Fort Wayne, IN
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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 Wayne, IN?
The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Fort Wayne, IN is $45,860. This typically ranges from $35,850 for entry-level positions to $58,890 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fort Wayne, IN is 2.5% lower than the national median of $47,060.
Is Fort Wayne, IN a lucrative place for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Yes, Fort Wayne offers a stable career environment for these roles.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the high concentration of jobs and a cost of living on par with the national average create a balanced and opportunity-rich market.
Is Fort Wayne, 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 Fort Wayne, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Wayne, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lima, OH ($38,760) and Elkhart-Goshen, IN.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 1,210 indicates a substantial pool of experienced professionals, which can lead to both opportunities for new entrants and a competitive landscape for experienced workers.
What does a Location Quotient of 4.78 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 4.78 means that Fort Wayne has nearly five times the national average concentration of these jobs, suggesting high demand and specialized industry growth.
How does the Cost of Living in Fort Wayne compare nationally?
Fort Wayne's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning your salary will have average purchasing power.
What are the typical career paths for a Machine Operator in Fort Wayne?
Career paths often involve progressing from entry-level operator roles to setter or tender positions, with opportunities for specialization in specific machine types or advanced manufacturing techniques.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,210 employees in the Fort Wayne, IN area with a job density of 5.413 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 Wayne, IN