In Texas, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $42,950. This figure is slightly below the national average of $47,060, a difference often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific industry concentration within the state. While the nominal salary may appear lower, the overall economic landscape of Texas plays a crucial role in understanding the true value of this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,950 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,050.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 12,260 individuals in this role, Texas demonstrates a significant presence in the metal and plastic manufacturing sector. The location quotient of 0.78 suggests that while the profession is present, it is not as concentrated as the national average, indicating a potentially stable but not overly saturated job market. The rate of 0.885 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the steady demand for these skilled professionals within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Texas earns-8.7%below the national average.
$20.7
$826
$3,579
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Texas is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national economic recovery and inflation. The manufacturing sector, in particular, has seen fluctuations and adaptations, often leading to modest but consistent wage growth as demand for skilled labor persists and companies invest in automation and efficiency.
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Texas
Career progression for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Texas typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the value placed on expertise and operational mastery in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $31,310 | $15.1 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $32,213 | $15.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $41,620 | $20 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $53,688 | $25.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $56,050 | $26.9 |
Detailed Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,950
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$46,183
Adjusted for COL (93)
The average annual salary of $42,950 in Texas needs to be viewed in conjunction with its Cost of Living Index of 93. Since the index is below the national average of 100, the purchasing power of this salary is effectively enhanced. This means that the $42,950 earned in Texas can provide a comparable or even better standard of living than a higher nominal salary in a more expensive state, making Texas an attractive location for these professionals.
Job Market Context
12,260
Total Jobs
0.885
Per 1K Jobs
0.78
Location Quotient
Texas has 0.78x 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 0.78 indicates that the concentration of Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Texas is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the job market is present and active, it may not be as intensely competitive or saturated as in other regions. This scenario can present opportunities for skilled workers seeking employment, as demand exists without an overwhelming surplus of candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Texas
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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 Texas?
The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Texas is $42,950. This typically ranges from $31,310 for entry-level positions to $56,050 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Texas is 8.7% lower than the national median of $47,060.
Is Texas a lucrative place for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Yes, with a caveat regarding cost of living.While the average salary of $42,950 is below the national average, Texas's lower cost of living index of 93 enhances the purchasing power of this income. The substantial workforce size also indicates a stable job market.
Is Texas a good place to live for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
With a Cost of Living Index of 93 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Texas?
Some top paying nearby cities include Killeen-Temple, TX ($42,640) and Waco, TX.
How does the Texas salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for this role in Texas is $42,950, which is approximately $4,110 less than the national average of $47,060.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient in Texas?
A Location Quotient of 0.78 means that this profession is slightly less concentrated in Texas compared to the national average, suggesting a balanced job market with steady demand.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary in Texas?
With a Cost of Living Index of 93 (below the national average of 100), the $42,950 salary in Texas offers greater purchasing power, making it more favorable than the nominal figure might suggest.
What is the total number of these jobs in Texas?
There are approximately 12,260 Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic employed in Texas.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 12,260 employees in the Texas area with a job density of 0.885 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 Texas