In California, Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $46,580. This figure is slightly below the national average of $48,170, suggesting that while the state offers opportunities, the compensation may not fully align with national benchmarks. Factors such as the state's robust industrial sector and specific regional economic dynamics likely influence this pay rate.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $46,580 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,190.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 4,860 individuals in this role, California demonstrates a significant presence in this specialized field. The Location Quotient of 0.63 indicates that this occupation is less concentrated in California compared to the national average, suggesting a potentially stable but not overly saturated job market. This balance implies consistent demand for skilled professionals without excessive competition.
Salary Overview
The average Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California earns-3.3%below the national average.
$22.4
$896
$3,882
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in California is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national economic growth and inflation. Increased demand for manufactured goods and advancements in extrusion and drawing technologies likely contribute to a steady or growing compensation landscape for experienced professionals in this sector.
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in California
Within the Extruding and Drawing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender profession in California, salary progression is typically tied to experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive knowledge of complex machinery, quality control, and troubleshooting can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles of the reported average.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $35,700 | $17.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $34,935 | $16.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $44,970 | $21.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $58,225 | $28 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $61,190 | $29.4 |
Detailed Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$46,580
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,632
Adjusted for COL (138.5)
The average annual salary of $46,580 in California must be considered alongside a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, which is substantially higher than the national average of 100. This means that despite the nominal salary, the purchasing power of an individual in California is reduced due to the elevated costs of housing, goods, and services, making careful financial planning essential.
Job Market Context
4,860
Total Jobs
0.269
Per 1K Jobs
0.63
Location Quotient
California has 0.63x the national average concentration of Extruding and Drawing 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 0.63 signifies that Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are less prevalent in California's workforce relative to the national average. This suggests that while the state has a notable number of these jobs (4,860), the market is not as densely populated with these specialists as in other regions, potentially offering a more favorable environment for job seekers with the right qualifications.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near California
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in California?
The median annual salary for a Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California is $46,580. This typically ranges from $35,700 for entry-level positions to $61,190 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in California is 3.3% lower than the national median of $48,170.
Is California a lucrative place for Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
No, not exceptionally lucrative when considering the cost of living.While California has a substantial workforce in this role, the average salary of $46,580 is below the national average, and the high cost of living significantly diminishes purchasing power.
Is California a good place to live for Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near California?
Some top paying nearby cities include Visalia, CA ($45,020) and Fresno, CA.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 0.269 jobs per 1,000 workers, California's concentration of Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic is lower than the national average, indicating fewer opportunities relative to the overall workforce size.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 0.63?
An LQ of 0.63 means that this occupation is 37% less concentrated in California compared to the national average. This suggests that while the jobs exist, they are not a dominant feature of the state's employment landscape.
How does the high cost of living in California affect this salary?
The cost of living index of 138.5 means that everyday expenses are significantly higher in California. Therefore, the $46,580 salary provides less disposable income than the same salary would in a region with a lower cost of living.
Are there many job openings for this role in California?
While the total workforce is 4,860, the lower-than-average Location Quotient suggests that the demand might not be exceptionally high relative to other states, though specific regional demand can vary.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,860 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.269 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California