SalaryNode

Average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL

The average salary for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics in Tuscaloosa, AL is $41,820. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $41,820 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.5% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,230.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 140 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Tuscaloosa, AL economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$41,820

The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tuscaloosa, AL earns-11.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20.1

Weekly

$804

Monthly

$3,485

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Tuscaloosa, AL

The earning potential for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics in Tuscaloosa, AL varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $32,600, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $61,230.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$32,600$15.7
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$31,365$15.1
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$38,620$18.6
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$52,275$25.1
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$61,230$29.4

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

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$41,820

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$41,820

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Tuscaloosa, AL, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $41,820 to $41,820.

Job Market Context

140

Total Jobs

1.296

Per 1K Jobs

1.15

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.15, Tuscaloosa, AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic roles compared to the national norm.

140 people work as Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tuscaloosa, AL.

1.296 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic positions — a typical concentration.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in Tuscaloosa, AL?

The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tuscaloosa, AL is $41,820. This typically ranges from $32,600 for entry-level positions to $61,230 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Tuscaloosa, AL is 11.1% lower than the national median of $47,060.

Is Tuscaloosa, AL a good place for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?

It depends on your priorities. While the average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary in Tuscaloosa, AL is $41,820 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Tuscaloosa, AL. See distinct detailed breakdown below.

Is Tuscaloosa, AL a good place to live for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?

The Cost of Living Index in Tuscaloosa, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Tuscaloosa, AL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Birmingham, AL ($42,400) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 140 employees in the Tuscaloosa, AL area with a job density of 1.296 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.