SalaryNode

Average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI

In Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $49,620. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $47,060, indicating a localized premium for these skilled manufacturing roles. The robust industrial landscape and demand within the region contribute to this elevated compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $49,620 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $62,030.
  • Outlook: The Milwaukee-Waukesha area boasts a substantial local workforce of 2,390 individuals in this sector, with 2.92 jobs per 1,000 workers. The high Location Quotient of 2.58 signifies a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a strong and established demand for metal and plastic machine operators within the region's manufacturing ecosystem.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$49,620

The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI earns+5.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$23.9

Weekly

$954

Monthly

$4,135

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI

Career progression for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior operators with extensive knowledge of machine operation, maintenance, and quality control can command salaries in the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps reflect the value placed on accumulated expertise and responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$39,510$19
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$37,215$17.9
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$48,240$23.2
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$62,025$29.8
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$62,030$29.8

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

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$49,620

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$49,620

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $49,620 in Milwaukee-Waukesha aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in this metropolitan area is equivalent to the national average, offering stability for residents without the added financial pressure of a significantly higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

2,390

Total Jobs

2.92

Per 1K Jobs

2.58

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI has 2.6x 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 2.58, the Milwaukee-Waukesha metropolitan area exhibits a job market that is more than twice as concentrated in Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic compared to the national average. This indicates a highly competitive and specialized market, suggesting abundant opportunities for qualified individuals but also a potentially robust pool of experienced talent.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?

The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is $49,620. This typically ranges from $39,510 for entry-level positions to $62,030 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is 5.4% higher than the national median of $47,060.

Is Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI a lucrative place for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?

Yes, it offers above-average compensation and a strong market concentration.The average salary of $49,620 is higher than the national average, and the high Location Quotient of 2.58 indicates a significant concentration of these jobs, suggesting strong demand.

Is Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI a good place to live for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?

The Cost of Living Index in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?

Some top paying nearby cities include Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI ($47,760) and Kenosha, WI.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary in Milwaukee-Waukesha for this role is $49,620, which is higher than the national average of $47,060.

What is the concentration of these jobs in Milwaukee-Waukesha?

The Location Quotient is 2.58, meaning the concentration of these jobs is more than double the national average, indicating a strong presence in the local industry.

How does the cost of living affect the salary?

The cost of living in Milwaukee-Waukesha is at the national average (100), so the $49,620 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What does the total local workforce number signify?

A total local workforce of 2,390 indicates a substantial number of individuals employed in this sector within the Milwaukee-Waukesha area, reflecting the market's size.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,390 employees in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area with a job density of 2.92 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.