SalaryNode

Average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary in Huntsville, AL

In Huntsville, AL, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $43,160. This figure is slightly below the national average of $47,060, suggesting local market dynamics and potentially a different cost-of-living adjustment compared to other regions. The specific economic landscape of Huntsville influences compensation for these vital manufacturing roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $43,160 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $53,320.
  • Outlook: The local workforce for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Huntsville, AL, comprises approximately 520 individuals. A Location Quotient of 1.75 indicates a significant concentration of these jobs relative to the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand within the Huntsville manufacturing sector. This concentration points to a healthy job market for skilled professionals in this field.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$43,160

The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Huntsville, AL earns-8.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20.8

Weekly

$830

Monthly

$3,597

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Huntsville, AL

Salary progression for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$27,070$13
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$32,370$15.6
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$43,040$20.7
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$53,950$25.9
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$53,320$25.6

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

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$43,160

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$43,160

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $43,160 in Huntsville, AL, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power comparably to the national average, indicating that the cost of goods and services in Huntsville is neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical U.S. city. Therefore, the $43,160 salary offers a stable financial standing relative to national benchmarks.

Job Market Context

520

Total Jobs

1.982

Per 1K Jobs

1.75

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Huntsville, AL has 1.8x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 1.75, Huntsville, AL, demonstrates a job market that is 75% more concentrated in Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic than the national average. This high concentration suggests a strong demand for these specialized roles and a potentially competitive environment for employers seeking skilled workers, while also indicating ample opportunities for job seekers in this sector.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in Huntsville, AL?

The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Huntsville, AL is $43,160. This typically ranges from $27,070 for entry-level positions to $53,320 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Huntsville, AL is 8.3% lower than the national median of $47,060.

Is Huntsville, AL a lucrative place for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?

Yes, it offers competitive opportunities.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the high concentration of jobs (LQ 1.75) and a national average cost of living indicate a stable and potentially advantageous market for these roles.

Is Huntsville, 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 Huntsville, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Huntsville, AL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Decatur, AL ($43,370) and Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary in Huntsville, AL, is $43,160, which is slightly lower than the national average of $47,060 for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in Huntsville?

An LQ of 1.75 signifies that Huntsville has a significantly higher concentration of these specific metal and plastic machine operator jobs compared to the national average, indicating strong local industry demand.

How does the cost of living in Huntsville affect the salary?

Huntsville's cost of living index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $43,160 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial proposition.

What is the total number of these jobs in Huntsville?

There are approximately 520 Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic employed in the Huntsville, AL area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 520 employees in the Huntsville, AL area with a job density of 1.982 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.