SalaryNode

Average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary in Reading, PA

In Reading, PA, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $52,550. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $47,060, indicating a localized premium for these skilled manufacturing roles. The concentration of this industry within Reading, PA, likely contributes to this elevated compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $52,550 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.7% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $67,840.
  • Outlook: The job market for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Reading, PA, appears robust, supported by a local workforce of 390 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.02 signifies a significant concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand for these specialized skills within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$52,550

The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Reading, PA earns+11.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$25.3

Weekly

$1,011

Monthly

$4,379

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Reading, PA

Career progression for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Reading, PA, typically involves a salary scale that increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay spectrum, while senior operators with extensive knowledge of complex machinery and quality control can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting their expertise and value to employers. The percentile gaps in salary data would clearly signify these distinct career progression stages.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$38,690$18.6
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$39,413$18.9
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$52,990$25.5
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$65,688$31.6
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$67,840$32.6

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

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$52,550

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$52,550

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $52,550 in Reading, PA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing for individuals considering a move to or within Reading for this profession.

Job Market Context

390

Total Jobs

2.288

Per 1K Jobs

2.02

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Reading, PA has 2.0x 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 2.02, Reading, PA, 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 high concentration suggests a competitive environment for employers seeking talent but also presents abundant opportunities for skilled workers in this specific trade.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in Reading, PA?

The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Reading, PA is $52,550. This typically ranges from $38,690 for entry-level positions to $67,840 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Reading, PA is 11.7% higher than the national median of $47,060.

Is Reading, PA a lucrative place for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?

Yes, Reading, PA offers a lucrative environment for these roles.The average salary of $52,550 significantly exceeds the national average, and the high concentration of these jobs (LQ 2.02) indicates strong local demand.

Is Reading, 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 Reading, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Reading, PA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Lebanon, PA ($44,950) and Lancaster, PA.

How does the Reading, PA salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary in Reading, PA ($52,550) is approximately $5,490 higher than the national average ($47,060), representing a notable premium for this role in the local market.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in Reading, PA?

A Location Quotient of 2.02 means that the concentration of Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs in Reading, PA, is more than double the national average, indicating a specialized and robust local industry for this profession.

Does the cost of living in Reading, PA affect the salary's value?

No, the cost of living in Reading, PA, is exactly at the national average (100). Therefore, the $52,550 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a fair compensation relative to local expenses.

What does the total local workforce number imply?

A local workforce of 390 individuals in this specific role suggests a substantial presence of these jobs within Reading, PA, contributing to the overall demand and potential for career opportunities in the area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 390 employees in the Reading, PA area with a job density of 2.288 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.