In Chattanooga, TN-GA, Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $45,580. This figure is slightly below the national average of $48,170, a common occurrence in regions with a cost of living that aligns with the national benchmark. Local economic factors and industry demand play a significant role in shaping this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,580 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,820.
- Outlook: The job market for Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Chattanooga, TN-GA, shows a notable concentration, with a Location Quotient of 1.9, indicating a presence nearly twice the national average. Despite a relatively small total local workforce of 220, this high concentration suggests a specialized demand for these skills within the region, pointing towards a stable, albeit niche, job market.
Salary Overview
The average Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-5.4%below the national average.
$21.9
$877
$3,798
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Chattanooga is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, inflation, and increasing demand for manufactured goods typically drive wage increases for skilled labor positions like machine operators.
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Career progression for Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Chattanooga, TN-GA, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with specialized knowledge and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting the broader percentile gaps seen across the industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $35,620 | $17.1 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $34,185 | $16.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $45,640 | $21.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $56,975 | $27.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $57,820 | $27.8 |
Detailed Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,580
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,580
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $45,580 in Chattanooga, TN-GA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making relocation financially neutral from a cost-of-living perspective, assuming comparable spending habits.
Job Market Context
220
Total Jobs
0.808
Per 1K Jobs
1.9
Location Quotient
Chattanooga, TN-GA has 1.9x the national concentration of Extruding and Drawing 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 1.9, Chattanooga, TN-GA, exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic compared to the national average. This suggests a robust local industry presence and potentially higher demand for these specialized roles relative to the general workforce, making the market more competitive for employers seeking talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA
Hiring Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The median annual salary for a Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $45,580. This typically ranges from $35,620 for entry-level positions to $57,820 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 5.4% lower than the national median of $48,170.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a lucrative place for Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $45,580 is below the national average of $48,170, although the cost of living is also at the national average. This indicates that while the purchasing power is comparable, the nominal earnings are lower.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Dalton, GA ($46,630) and Rome, GA.
How does Chattanooga's salary for this role compare to the national average?
The average annual salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA, is $45,580, which is slightly lower than the national average of $48,170 for Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.9 mean for this job in Chattanooga?
A Location Quotient of 1.9 signifies that the concentration of Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Chattanooga, TN-GA, is nearly double the national average, indicating a strong local industry presence and demand for these roles.
How does the cost of living in Chattanooga affect the salary?
Chattanooga's Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $45,580 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being nominally lower.
What is the total number of these jobs in Chattanooga?
There are approximately 220 Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic employed in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 0.808 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 Chattanooga, TN-GA