In Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $42,070. This figure is notably below the national average of $47,060, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as industry demand and the specific manufacturing landscape in the region, may influence compensation levels for these specialized roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,070 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,860.
- Outlook: The Kalamazoo-Portage area supports a local workforce of 370 individuals in this sector, with a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 3.117. The robust Location Quotient of 2.75 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, signaling a strong and established presence of metal and plastic manufacturing operations that likely sustain consistent demand for skilled operators.
Salary Overview
The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI earns-10.6%below the national average.
$20.2
$809
$3,506
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise role in Kalamazoo-Portage is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national economic recovery and increased demand for manufacturing roles. This growth is likely driven by inflation, technological advancements requiring skilled operators, and a sustained need for manufactured goods.
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
Career progression for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive expertise and specialized skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting their value and contribution to operational efficiency and quality.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $32,970 | $15.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $31,553 | $15.2 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $40,120 | $19.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $52,588 | $25.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $49,860 | $24 |
Detailed Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,070
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,070
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $42,070 in Kalamazoo-Portage aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, which is indexed at 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is directly comparable to the national standard, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability for essential goods and services.
Job Market Context
370
Total Jobs
3.117
Per 1K Jobs
2.75
Location Quotient
Kalamazoo-Portage, MI 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.
With a Location Quotient of 2.75, Kalamazoo-Portage exhibits a highly concentrated market for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. This indicates that the region is a significant hub for this industry, suggesting a competitive environment for employers seeking talent but also a wealth of opportunities for job seekers specializing in these roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
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 Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is $42,070. This typically ranges from $32,970 for entry-level positions to $49,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 10.6% lower than the national median of $47,060.
Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI a lucrative place for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
No, not more lucrative than the national average.While the concentration of these jobs is high, the average salary of $42,070 is below the national average of $47,060, indicating less lucrative compensation locally.
Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI a good place to live for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Battle Creek, MI ($44,330) and Elkhart-Goshen, IN.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary in Kalamazoo-Portage is $42,070, which is $5,000 less than the national average of $47,060.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.75 mean for this job role?
A Location Quotient of 2.75 signifies that this job role is 2.75 times more concentrated in Kalamazoo-Portage than the national average, indicating a strong regional industry presence.
Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of the salary?
No, the cost of living in Kalamazoo-Portage is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $42,070 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many of these jobs are there in Kalamazoo-Portage relative to the workforce?
There are approximately 3.117 jobs per 1,000 workers in this field within the Kalamazoo-Portage area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 370 employees in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI area with a job density of 3.117 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 Kalamazoo-Portage, MI