In Lancaster, PA, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $49,630. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $47,060, indicating a favorable compensation landscape for these skilled roles within the region. Local economic factors and industry demand likely contribute to this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $49,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $63,130.
- Outlook: The job market for Metal and Plastic Machine Operators in Lancaster, PA, shows robust signs of demand, underscored by a substantial local workforce of 590 individuals in this specific occupation. The Location Quotient of 2.09 signifies a concentration of these jobs significantly above the national average, suggesting a strong and established presence of this industry within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Lancaster, PA earns+5.5%above the national average.
$23.9
$954
$4,136
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 Lancaster, PA, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of wage increases driven by inflation, technological advancements, and evolving industry demands.
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Lancaster, PA
Career progression for Metal and Plastic Machine Operators in Lancaster, PA, typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level positions to senior roles. The difference in earnings between the lower and higher percentiles of this occupation reflects the value placed on accumulated experience, specialized skills, and the ability to manage complex machinery and production processes.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $37,440 | $18 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $37,223 | $17.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $48,340 | $23.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $62,038 | $29.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $63,130 | $30.4 |
Detailed Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$49,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$49,630
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $49,630 in Lancaster, PA, for this role aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of living does not significantly diminish the real value of the earnings.
Job Market Context
590
Total Jobs
2.366
Per 1K Jobs
2.09
Location Quotient
Lancaster, PA has 2.1x 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 2.09, Lancaster, PA, presents a highly concentrated market for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. This indicates that the demand for these professionals is more than double the national average relative to the overall workforce, suggesting a competitive environment for employers seeking talent and favorable opportunities for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Lancaster, PA
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 Lancaster, PA?
The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Lancaster, PA is $49,630. This typically ranges from $37,440 for entry-level positions to $63,130 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lancaster, PA is 5.5% higher than the national median of $47,060.
Is Lancaster, PA a lucrative place for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, Lancaster, PA is a lucrative place for these roles.The average salary of $49,630 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, allowing for strong purchasing power.
Is Lancaster, PA a good place to live for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Lancaster, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lancaster, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lebanon, PA ($44,950) and York-Hanover, PA.
How does the local job market compare to the national average for this occupation?
The local job market in Lancaster, PA, is significantly more concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 2.09, indicating a higher demand for these roles relative to the general workforce.
What is the average salary for a Metal and Plastic Machine Operator in Lancaster, PA?
The average annual salary for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Lancaster, PA, is $49,630.
How does the cost of living in Lancaster, PA affect salary expectations?
The cost of living in Lancaster, PA, is at the national average (100), meaning the average salary of $49,630 provides a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.09 mean for this job title in Lancaster, PA?
A Location Quotient of 2.09 signifies that this occupation is more than twice as concentrated in Lancaster, PA, compared to the national average, suggesting a strong industry presence and potentially higher demand for skilled workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 590 employees in the Lancaster, PA area with a job density of 2.366 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 Lancaster, PA