SalaryNode

Average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA

In Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic professionals earn an impressive average annual salary of $56,570. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $47,060, indicating a robust local demand for these specialized skills. The higher compensation in this region is likely driven by a concentrated industry presence and specific labor market dynamics.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $56,570 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $75,760.
  • Outlook: The Scranton--Wilkes-Barre area demonstrates a strong and concentrated labor market for Metal and Plastic Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders. With a substantial local workforce of 780 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 2.7, which is well above the national average, the demand for these professionals is notably high. This indicates a robust job market where these skills are highly valued and actively sought after.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$56,570

The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA earns+20.2%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$27.2

Weekly

$1,088

Monthly

$4,714

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA

Career progression for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive expertise and advanced certifications can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career trajectory and earning potential as one advances through junior, mid-level, and senior operator roles.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$39,410$18.9
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$42,428$20.4
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$58,450$28.1
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$70,713$34
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$75,760$36.4

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

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$56,570

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$56,570

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $56,570 in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, 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, allowing professionals to maintain a comparable standard of living without significant financial strain compared to other regions.

Job Market Context

780

Total Jobs

3.055

Per 1K Jobs

2.7

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA has 2.7x 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.

The Location Quotient (LQ) of 2.7 for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre signifies a highly concentrated job market. An LQ significantly above 1.0 indicates that this occupation is more prevalent in this area than the national average, suggesting a specialized demand and potentially fewer competing candidates for skilled positions.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?

The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is $56,570. This typically ranges from $39,410 for entry-level positions to $75,760 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 20.2% higher than the national median of $47,060.

Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a lucrative place for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?

Yes, it is a lucrative place.The average salary of $56,570 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, offering strong purchasing power.

Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, 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 Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Binghamton, NY ($46,350) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.

How does the local workforce size impact job availability?

A local workforce of 780 indicates a substantial pool of experienced professionals, suggesting a mature and active job market for these roles in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre.

What does a Location Quotient of 2.7 mean for job seekers?

A Location Quotient of 2.7 means the concentration of these jobs is 2.7 times higher than the national average, indicating strong local demand and potentially more opportunities.

How does the Cost of Living in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre compare nationally?

The Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it is exactly at the national average, making the $56,570 salary quite competitive in terms of real purchasing power.

What is the employment density for this role in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre?

There are 3.055 jobs per 1,000 workers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre for this occupation, reflecting a notable presence within the local employment landscape.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 780 employees in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area with a job density of 3.055 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.