In the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $42,310. This figure is notably below the national average of $47,060, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within this localized industrial sector. The pay scale in this area is influenced by the concentration of manufacturing operations and the overall economic landscape of nonmetropolitan Tennessee.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,310 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,110.
- Outlook: The job market for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in South Central Tennessee appears robust, with a total local workforce of 480 individuals. The high Location Quotient of 3.78 significantly indicates a strong concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a specialized and potentially stable demand for these skilled positions within the region's manufacturing base.
Salary Overview
The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-10.1%below the national average.
$20.3
$814
$3,526
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise role in South Central Tennessee is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for skilled manufacturing positions like Metal Press Machine Setters have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. Increased automation and evolving manufacturing techniques may also influence wage adjustments as the industry adapts.
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles. As experience increases, individuals can expect their salaries to rise, with significant percentile gaps often signifying the difference between junior operators and seasoned technicians capable of complex setups and troubleshooting.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $31,290 | $15 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $31,733 | $15.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $45,070 | $21.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $52,888 | $25.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $49,110 | $23.6 |
Detailed Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,310
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,310
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $42,310 in South Central Tennessee aligns perfectly with the national 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
480
Total Jobs
4.271
Per 1K Jobs
3.78
Location Quotient
South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area has 3.8x 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 3.78, South Central Tennessee exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs than the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially competitive market where these roles are a key component of the local industrial economy, suggesting a strong demand relative to the national landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $42,310. This typically ranges from $31,290 for entry-level positions to $49,110 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 10.1% lower than the national median of $47,060.
Is South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
No, not more lucrative than the national average.While the concentration of these jobs is high, the average salary of $42,310 is below the national average of $47,060, indicating lower pay despite strong local demand.
Is South Central Tennessee 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 Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($46,340) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the local job market compare to the national average for this role?
The local job market in South Central Tennessee has a significantly higher concentration of these roles, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 3.78, suggesting a stronger local presence than the national average.
What is the impact of the Cost of Living Index on this salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $42,310 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.
How many of these jobs are there in South Central Tennessee?
There are approximately 4.271 jobs per 1,000 workers in South Central Tennessee for this occupation, contributing to a total local workforce of 480 individuals in this field.
Does experience significantly affect salary in this role?
Yes, experience is a key factor in salary progression, with senior roles and specialized skills commanding higher compensation compared to entry-level positions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 480 employees in the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.271 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salaries by State
Top Jobs in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Management Occupations Salary in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area →
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 Tennessee nonmetropolitan area