In Lexington-Fayette, KY, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $51,540. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $47,060, indicating a localized demand and potentially higher value placed on these skilled manufacturing roles within the region's industrial landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $51,540 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $70,480.
- Outlook: The manufacturing sector in Lexington-Fayette, KY, shows a robust presence for Metal and Plastic Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, with a total local workforce of 700 individuals in this role. The concentration, measured by a Location Quotient of 2.17, significantly exceeds the national average, suggesting a strong and established demand for these specialized skills within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Lexington-Fayette, KY earns+9.5%above the national average.
$24.8
$991
$4,295
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 in Lexington-Fayette, KY, have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring general economic growth and inflation. This progression likely reflects increased demand for manufacturing output and a growing recognition of the specialized skills required for these roles.
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Lexington-Fayette, KY
Career progression for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders typically involves a salary scale that increases with experience and expertise. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with advanced skills in machine operation, maintenance, and quality control can expect to earn significantly more, with percentile gaps reflecting substantial career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $37,080 | $17.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $38,655 | $18.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $47,580 | $22.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $64,425 | $31 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $70,480 | $33.9 |
Detailed Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$51,540
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$51,540
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $51,540 in Lexington-Fayette, KY, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary earned by these manufacturing professionals holds its purchasing power effectively within the region, offering a stable financial standing without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
700
Total Jobs
2.458
Per 1K Jobs
2.17
Location Quotient
Lexington-Fayette, KY has 2.2x 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 2.17, Lexington-Fayette, KY, demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders compared to the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially competitive market where employers actively seek out individuals with these specific manufacturing skills, suggesting a favorable environment for job seekers in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Lexington-Fayette, KY
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 Lexington-Fayette, KY?
The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Lexington-Fayette, KY is $51,540. This typically ranges from $37,080 for entry-level positions to $70,480 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 9.5% higher than the national median of $47,060.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a lucrative place for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, Lexington-Fayette, KY offers a lucrative environment for these roles.The average salary of $51,540 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, allowing for strong purchasing power.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a good place to live for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lexington-Fayette, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area ($42,610) and South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 700 in this specific role suggests a substantial presence of these jobs, indicating consistent demand and opportunities within the Lexington-Fayette manufacturing sector.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.17 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 2.17 signifies that this role is more than twice as common in Lexington-Fayette compared to the national average, pointing to a strong and specialized local industry demand.
How does the cost of living affect the $51,540 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $51,540 salary in Lexington-Fayette has the same purchasing power as the national average salary would have nationally, making it a stable income.
Are there many job opportunities for Metal and Plastic Machine Operators in Lexington-Fayette?
Yes, the jobs per 1,000 workers metric of 2.458, combined with a high Location Quotient, suggests a healthy and active job market for these specialized positions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 700 employees in the Lexington-Fayette, KY area with a job density of 2.458 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 Lexington-Fayette, KY