In Wausau, WI, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic professionals earn an average annual salary of $48,180. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $47,060, indicating a localized premium for these skilled manufacturing roles. The specific demands and industrial landscape of the Wausau area likely contribute to this favorable compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $48,180 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,730.
- Outlook: The Wausau, WI, job market for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 370 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 4.74 signifies a significant concentration of these jobs relative to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a specialized industrial base that relies heavily on this expertise.
Salary Overview
The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Wausau, WI earns+2.4%above the national average.
$23.2
$927
$4,015
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Wausau, WI, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in manufacturing wages. This upward trajectory is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for skilled labor, and advancements in manufacturing technology.
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Wausau, WI
Career progression for Metal and Plastic Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Wausau, WI, typically correlates with experience and skill acquisition. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive experience, specialized certifications, and the ability to manage complex machinery command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect these distinctions, offering a clear path for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,290 | $18.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $36,135 | $17.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $48,470 | $23.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $60,225 | $29 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $58,730 | $28.2 |
Detailed Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$48,180
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,180
Adjusted for COL (100)
For professionals considering a move to Wausau, WI, the average annual salary of $48,180 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Wausau is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without the immediate pressure of higher living expenses often associated with above-average salaries in other regions.
Job Market Context
370
Total Jobs
5.358
Per 1K Jobs
4.74
Location Quotient
Wausau, WI has 4.7x 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.
The Location Quotient of 4.74 for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Wausau, WI, is a strong indicator of a highly concentrated job market. This suggests that Wausau has a significantly larger proportion of these jobs compared to the national average, making it a key hub for this specific manufacturing sector and potentially offering more abundant opportunities for skilled professionals in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Wausau, WI
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 Wausau, WI?
The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Wausau, WI is $48,180. This typically ranges from $38,290 for entry-level positions to $58,730 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wausau, WI is 2.4% higher than the national median of $47,060.
Is Wausau, WI a lucrative place for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, Wausau, WI offers a slightly above-average salary for these roles.The average salary of $48,180 in Wausau exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating good earning potential.
Is Wausau, WI a good place to live for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Wausau, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wausau, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area ($48,750) and Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Wausau salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Wausau, WI is $48,180, which is slightly higher than the national average of $47,060.
What does the Location Quotient of 4.74 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 4.74 signifies that Wausau has a much higher concentration of these jobs than the national average, indicating strong local demand and a specialized industry presence.
How does the cost of living in Wausau affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Wausau's cost of living matches the national average. This means the $48,180 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total workforce size for this role in Wausau?
There are approximately 370 Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic employed in Wausau, WI.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 370 employees in the Wausau, WI area with a job density of 5.358 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 Wausau, WI
- All Occupations Salary in Wausau, WI
- Production Occupations Salary in Wausau, WI
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Wausau, WI
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Wausau, WI
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Wausau, WI
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Wausau, WI
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Wausau, WI
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Wausau, WI
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Wausau, WI
- Management Occupations Salary in Wausau, WI
- Browse All Jobs in Wausau, WI →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Wausau, WI