In Richmond, VA, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $44,800. This figure is slightly below the national average of $47,060, a common occurrence in regions where specific industry demand may not be as concentrated as in major manufacturing hubs. Local economic factors and the specific needs of the regional manufacturing sector often influence these pay scales.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,800 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,210.
- Outlook: The local workforce for this role in Richmond, VA, comprises approximately 420 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.57, the concentration of these jobs is below the national average, suggesting a moderate but not overwhelmingly dominant presence within the local economy. The rate of 0.65 jobs per 1,000 workers further indicates a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market for these skilled positions.
Salary Overview
The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Richmond, VA earns-4.8%below the national average.
$21.5
$862
$3,733
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 Richmond is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. Increases in manufacturing efficiency, demand for specialized components, and a general rise in the cost of skilled labor likely contribute to upward salary adjustments.
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Richmond, VA
Salary progression for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically correlates with experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with expertise in complex machinery, quality control, and machine maintenance can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $29,900 | $14.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $33,600 | $16.2 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $47,660 | $22.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $56,000 | $26.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $56,210 | $27 |
Detailed Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,800
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,800
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $44,800 in Richmond, VA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape for individuals considering relocation or residing in the area. While the nominal salary is slightly below the national average for the role, the cost of living ensures that the real value of the earnings remains competitive.
Job Market Context
420
Total Jobs
0.65
Per 1K Jobs
0.57
Location Quotient
Richmond, VA has 0.57x the national average concentration of Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.57 indicates that Richmond, VA, has a lower concentration of Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the market is not saturated, and the demand may be more specialized or tied to specific local industries rather than broad manufacturing dominance.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Richmond, VA
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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 Richmond, VA?
The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Richmond, VA is $44,800. This typically ranges from $29,900 for entry-level positions to $56,210 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Richmond, VA is 4.8% lower than the national median of $47,060.
Is Richmond, VA a lucrative place for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Moderately lucrative, with balanced cost of living.The average salary of $44,800 is slightly below the national average, but the Cost of Living Index of 100 means your earnings hold comparable purchasing power to the national average.
Is Richmond, VA a good place to live for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Richmond, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Richmond, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area ($47,330) and Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Richmond, VA salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Richmond, VA, is $44,800, which is slightly lower than the national average of $47,060 for this role.
What is the concentration of this job role in Richmond, VA?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.57, indicating fewer jobs per worker in Richmond compared to the national average.
How does the Cost of Living in Richmond, VA affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $44,800 salary in Richmond offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment.
What does the job market size suggest for this role in Richmond?
The local workforce of 420 and 0.65 jobs per 1,000 workers suggest a stable, established market rather than one experiencing rapid growth or high competition.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 420 employees in the Richmond, VA area with a job density of 0.65 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 Richmond, VA