In Knoxville, TN, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $44,620. This figure is slightly below the national average of $47,060, suggesting local market dynamics and potentially lower operational costs influence compensation. The specific demand and supply within the Knoxville manufacturing sector play a significant role in setting this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,620 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $50,140.
- Outlook: The job market for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Knoxville, TN, shows a notable concentration, with a Location Quotient of 1.57 indicating a stronger presence than the national average. Coupled with a local workforce of 740 individuals in this role, this suggests a robust and potentially growing demand for these skilled professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Knoxville, TN earns-5.2%below the national average.
$21.5
$858
$3,718
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Knoxville is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for skilled manufacturing positions like Metal and Plastic Press Operators have seen consistent growth over the past four years, driven by inflation, technological advancements, and evolving industry demands. This upward trend is typical across many sectors, reflecting an increasing value placed on specialized operational expertise.
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Knoxville, TN
Career progression for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Knoxville, TN, typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive expertise and advanced certifications can command salaries well above the average, with percentile gaps clearly signifying this career trajectory and earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $36,070 | $17.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $33,465 | $16.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $47,130 | $22.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $55,775 | $26.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $50,140 | $24.1 |
Detailed Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,620
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,620
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $44,620 in Knoxville, TN, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Knoxville is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for professionals in this field without the added pressure of a high cost of living.
Job Market Context
740
Total Jobs
1.777
Per 1K Jobs
1.57
Location Quotient
Knoxville, TN has 1.6x 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 1.57, Knoxville, TN, demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of Metal and Plastic Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders compared to the national average. This suggests a specialized and potentially competitive job market where employers may actively seek out experienced talent, and professionals in this field are likely to find more opportunities than in a less concentrated area.
Nearby Job Markets
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Comparing salaries near Knoxville, TN
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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 Knoxville, TN?
The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Knoxville, TN is $44,620. This typically ranges from $36,070 for entry-level positions to $50,140 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Knoxville, TN is 5.2% lower than the national median of $47,060.
Is Knoxville, TN a lucrative place for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, with a stable cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the effective earning potential comparable. The high concentration of these jobs (LQ of 1.57) indicates strong local demand.
Is Knoxville, TN a good place to live for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Knoxville, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Knoxville, TN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Morristown, TN ($41,770) and Cleveland, TN.
How does the Knoxville salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Knoxville, TN is $44,620, which is slightly lower than the national average of $47,060.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient in Knoxville?
A Location Quotient of 1.57 means that this job role is 57% more concentrated in Knoxville than the national average, indicating a stronger local industry presence and potentially higher demand for these workers.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Knoxville?
Knoxville's Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $44,620 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial proposition.
What is the total number of these jobs in Knoxville?
There are approximately 740 Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic employed in the Knoxville, TN area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 740 employees in the Knoxville, TN area with a job density of 1.777 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 Knoxville, TN