In the Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $41,230. This figure is notably below the national average of $47,060, reflecting the economic dynamics and potentially lower demand for specialized manufacturing roles in this region compared to national hubs. The local economic landscape and industry concentration directly influence this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,710.
- Outlook: The job market for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Northwest Alabama appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 610 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 8.04 strongly indicates a significant concentration of these roles within the region, suggesting a higher demand relative to the national average and a specialized industrial base.
Salary Overview
The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area earns-12.4%below the national average.
$19.8
$793
$3,436
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Northwest Alabama is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national economic recovery and inflation. Manufacturing sectors often see incremental wage increases to retain skilled labor and adapt to evolving industry standards and productivity demands.
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
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 end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $35,100 | $16.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $30,923 | $14.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $39,460 | $19 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $51,538 | $24.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $49,710 | $23.9 |
Detailed Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,230
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $41,230 in Northwest Alabama aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is below the national average, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
610
Total Jobs
9.092
Per 1K Jobs
8.04
Location Quotient
Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area has 8.0x 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 8.04, Northwest Alabama exhibits a highly concentrated market for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. This indicates that these roles are significantly more prevalent in this region than the national average, suggesting a specialized industrial ecosystem and potentially high demand for skilled workers within this specific sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
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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 Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is $41,230. This typically ranges from $35,100 for entry-level positions to $49,710 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 12.4% lower than the national median of $47,060.
Is Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary of $41,230 is below the national average of $47,060, indicating lower earning potential in this specific region.
Is Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($41,920) and Birmingham, AL.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 610 suggests a stable, established presence of these roles, indicating consistent demand and opportunities within the region's manufacturing sector.
What does a Location Quotient of 8.04 signify?
A Location Quotient of 8.04 means that these jobs are over 8 times more concentrated in Northwest Alabama than the national average, highlighting a specialized and potentially competitive job market.
How does experience affect salary for this role?
Experience is a key factor in salary progression, with senior operators and setters earning significantly more than entry-level positions, reflecting increased skill, responsibility, and efficiency.
Is the cost of living a significant factor for this salary?
The cost of living being at the national average (100) means the $41,230 salary offers average purchasing power, making the lower nominal wage a direct reflection of regional economic conditions rather than high living expenses.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 610 employees in the Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 9.092 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 Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area