SalaryNode

Average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area

In the Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $41,390. This figure is notably below the national average of $47,060. The localized pay scale is influenced by the specific economic drivers and labor market dynamics prevalent in this region, which may differ from national trends.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $41,390 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,000.
  • Outlook: The job market for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in the Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area appears robust, with a total local workforce of 280 individuals. The high Location Quotient of 3.88 strongly indicates a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a sustained demand for these skilled positions within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$41,390

The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area earns-12.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$19.9

Weekly

$796

Monthly

$3,449

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area

Salary progression for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive expertise and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, rewarding accumulated knowledge and proficiency.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$36,230$17.4
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$31,043$14.9
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$37,690$18.1
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$51,738$24.9
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$47,000$22.6

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

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$41,390

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$41,390

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $41,390 in the Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national standard, making relocation financially neutral from a cost-of-living perspective.

Job Market Context

280

Total Jobs

4.387

Per 1K Jobs

3.88

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area has 3.9x 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 3.88, the Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area exhibits a highly concentrated presence of Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic roles. This suggests a specialized regional industry that relies heavily on this workforce, potentially leading to a competitive environment for employers seeking talent but offering good opportunities for skilled workers.

Nearby Job Markets

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 Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is $41,390. This typically ranges from $36,230 for entry-level positions to $47,000 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 12.0% lower than the national median of $47,060.

Is Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?

No, not when compared to national averages.While the local concentration of these jobs is high, the average salary of $41,390 is below the national average of $47,060, despite a cost of living that is on par with the national average.

Is Southwest Alabama 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 Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($41,920) and Birmingham, AL.

How does the number of local workers impact job prospects?

A total local workforce of 280 suggests a focused labor pool. While not a massive number, the high location quotient indicates these roles are a significant part of the regional economy, implying steady demand for qualified individuals.

What does a Location Quotient of 3.88 mean for this role?

A Location Quotient of 3.88 signifies that this job category is nearly four times more concentrated in the Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area than the national average. This points to a strong regional specialization and potentially higher demand relative to the general job market.

How does the cost of living affect the salary?

The Cost of Living Index being at 100 means that the $41,390 salary has the same purchasing power locally as the national average salary has nationally. Therefore, the lower nominal salary is offset by lower living expenses, maintaining equivalent real income.

Are there many job openings for these roles in this area?

With 4.387 jobs per 1,000 workers and a high location quotient, the market is concentrated, suggesting that while the absolute number of openings might fluctuate, the relative availability and demand for these specific skills are strong within the region.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 280 employees in the Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.387 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.