In the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $40,600. This figure is notably below the national average of $47,060. Regional economic factors, including the specific industrial landscape and demand within this nonmetropolitan zone, contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,600 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,010.
- Outlook: The job market for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in South Central Kentucky is characterized by a local workforce of 520 individuals. With a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 3.016, this indicates a steady presence of these roles within the regional economy, suggesting a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for skilled operators.
Salary Overview
The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-13.7%below the national average.
$19.5
$781
$3,383
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 South Central Kentucky is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for skilled manufacturing positions like machine operators have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic recovery and inflation trends. This suggests a positive trajectory, though the pace of increase may vary based on local industry performance.
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles with greater responsibility. As experience accumulates, individuals can expect their salaries to increase, with significant percentile gaps reflecting the value placed on advanced skills, operational expertise, and the ability to manage complex machinery.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $29,460 | $14.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $30,450 | $14.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $37,700 | $18.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $50,750 | $24.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $56,010 | $26.9 |
Detailed Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,600
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,600
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $40,600 in South Central Kentucky aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national standard, making the region's cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the real value of the compensation.
Job Market Context
520
Total Jobs
3.016
Per 1K Jobs
2.67
Location Quotient
South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area 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.
A Location Quotient of 2.67 for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in South Central Kentucky signifies a substantial concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This indicates a robust and specialized local market where these roles are more prevalent than in many other regions, suggesting a potentially competitive environment for both employers seeking talent and individuals seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near South Central Kentucky 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 South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $40,600. This typically ranges from $29,460 for entry-level positions to $56,010 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 13.7% lower than the national median of $47,060.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
No, not more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $40,600 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is comparable. The high location quotient suggests a strong local presence of these jobs, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is South Central Kentucky 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 South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($51,540) and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 520 for this specific role suggests a defined, but not massive, pool of potential employees and job openings. This can lead to a more stable job market where experienced individuals may find consistent opportunities.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.67 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 2.67 indicates that these jobs are more than twice as common in South Central Kentucky as they are nationally. This suggests a strong industry presence and potentially more specialized opportunities within the region.
Does the Cost of Living Index of 100 impact the salary's value?
Yes, a Cost of Living Index of 100 means the region's expenses are on par with the national average. Therefore, the $40,600 salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being a lower nominal figure.
How does experience influence salary for this role in South Central Kentucky?
While specific data isn't provided, typically, entry-level positions will command lower salaries, with significant increases possible for operators with extensive experience, specialized skills, and a proven track record in machine operation and maintenance.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 520 employees in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.016 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 South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area