In the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $42,430. This figure is notably below the national average of $47,060, a difference likely influenced by regional economic factors and the specific industrial landscape of the area. The localized pay reflects the unique supply and demand dynamics within this particular labor market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,430 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,560.
- Outlook: The job market for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area appears moderately robust, with a total local workforce of 240 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 1.64 indicates a concentration of these jobs that is 64% higher than the national average, suggesting a specialized demand for these skills within the region's industrial base.
Salary Overview
The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-9.8%below the national average.
$20.4
$816
$3,536
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 West Kentucky have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typical for skilled manufacturing roles as demand for production output evolves and the cost of labor adjusts.
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall towards 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 gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $29,440 | $14.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $31,823 | $15.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $43,020 | $20.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $53,038 | $25.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $57,560 | $27.7 |
Detailed Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,430
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,430
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $42,430 in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this profession, the cost of essential goods and services remains comparable.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
1.861
Per 1K Jobs
1.64
Location Quotient
West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 1.6x 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 1.64, the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area exhibits a significant concentration of Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a specialized regional industry that relies heavily on these roles, potentially leading to a more competitive environment for employers seeking skilled labor, while also indicating a stable demand for qualified workers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
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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 West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $42,430. This typically ranges from $29,440 for entry-level positions to $57,560 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 9.8% lower than the national median of $47,060.
Is West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary of $42,430 is below the national average of $47,060 for this role. The high concentration of jobs (LQ 1.64) indicates demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is West Kentucky 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 West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($51,540) and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN.
How does the local workforce size impact job prospects?
A local workforce of 240 suggests a niche market. While this indicates a concentration of opportunities (LQ 1.64), it also means the overall number of positions might be limited compared to larger metropolitan areas.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.64 mean for this job?
A Location Quotient of 1.64 signifies that this job is 64% more concentrated in West Kentucky than the national average. This points to a strong regional industry presence and a higher likelihood of finding related employment.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $42,430 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average. This means your earnings will stretch similarly to what they would elsewhere in the country, despite being lower in nominal terms.
What are the career progression opportunities for this role in West Kentucky?
Career progression is typically marked by increased experience and skill acquisition, leading to higher-paying roles within the upper salary percentiles. While specific local advancement paths vary, the demand indicated by the LQ suggests opportunities exist for skilled individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.861 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 West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area