In Wichita, KS, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $44,400. This figure is slightly below the national average of $47,060, a difference that can be attributed to localized economic factors and industry demand within the region. While the nominal pay may be lower, the cost of living in Wichita plays a crucial role in understanding the true value of this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,400 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,990.
- Outlook: Wichita, KS hosts a notable concentration of Metal and Plastic Machine Operators, with a total local workforce of 490 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.41 indicates a significantly higher presence of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and established industry presence. This concentration implies a steady demand for skilled professionals in this sector within the Wichita metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Wichita, KS earns-5.7%below the national average.
$21.4
$854
$3,700
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Wichita is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. Increased demand for manufactured goods and advancements in manufacturing technology likely contribute to upward pressure on wages.
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Wichita, KS
Career progression for Metal and Plastic Machine Operators in Wichita 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. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this progression, with senior operators earning substantially more than their junior counterparts.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $36,210 | $17.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $33,300 | $16 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $41,010 | $19.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $55,500 | $26.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $58,990 | $28.4 |
Detailed Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,400
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,400
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $44,400 in Wichita, KS, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment for residents. While not offering a significant cost-of-living advantage, the salary is adequate for maintaining a comparable lifestyle to the national average.
Job Market Context
490
Total Jobs
1.593
Per 1K Jobs
1.41
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.41, Wichita, KS 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.
With a Location Quotient of 1.41, Wichita, KS demonstrates a concentration of Metal and Plastic Machine Operators that is 41% higher than the national average. This indicates a strong local demand and a specialized job market for these roles. While this suggests ample opportunities, it also implies a competitive environment where employers may have a good pool of local talent to draw from.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary | $40,810↓ 8% | 67 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wichita, KS
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 Wichita, KS?
The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Wichita, KS is $44,400. This typically ranges from $36,210 for entry-level positions to $58,990 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wichita, KS is 5.7% lower than the national median of $47,060.
Is Wichita, KS a lucrative place for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Yes, it offers a stable earning potential relative to its cost of living.The average salary of $44,400 is competitive with the national average cost of living in Wichita. The strong concentration of these roles (LQ of 1.41) suggests consistent job availability.
Is Wichita, KS a good place to live for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Wichita, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wichita, KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kansas nonmetropolitan area ($40,810) and others.
How does Wichita's cost of living compare to the national average for this role?
Wichita's Cost of Living Index is exactly 100, matching the national average. This means the $44,400 salary has the same purchasing power in Wichita as the national average salary would have across the U.S.
Is there high demand for Metal Machine Operators in Wichita?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.41 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs in Wichita compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand.
What is the total number of Metal Machine Operators in Wichita?
There are approximately 490 Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic employed in the Wichita, KS area.
How does the average salary in Wichita compare to the national average?
The average annual salary of $44,400 in Wichita is slightly lower than the national average of $47,060 for this occupation.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 490 employees in the Wichita, KS area with a job density of 1.593 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 Wichita, KS
- All Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Production Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Management Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Browse All Jobs in Wichita, KS →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Wichita, KS