In Columbia, SC, Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an impressive average annual salary of $54,570. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $48,170, indicating a localized premium for these skilled roles. The concentration of manufacturing and related industries within the Columbia area likely drives this higher compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,570 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,330.
- Outlook: The job market for Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Columbia, SC, appears robust. With a total local workforce of 370 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 2.27, the demand for these professionals is significantly higher than the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing job market.
Salary Overview
The average Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Columbia, SC earns+13.3%above the national average.
$26.2
$1,049
$4,548
Extruding and Drawing 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 Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Columbia, SC have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for manufactured goods, and the need for skilled labor in the sector.
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC
Career progression for Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Columbia, SC, typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well above the average, reflecting the value of their expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $37,880 | $18.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $40,928 | $19.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $54,210 | $26.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $68,213 | $32.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $74,330 | $35.7 |
Detailed Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,570
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,570
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $54,570 in Columbia, SC, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, allowing individuals to maintain a similar standard of living as they would in a typical U.S. city.
Job Market Context
370
Total Jobs
0.965
Per 1K Jobs
2.27
Location Quotient
Columbia, SC has 2.3x 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 2.27, Columbia, SC, exhibits a strong concentration of Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market in this area is more specialized and potentially more competitive for employers seeking talent, while offering more opportunities for job seekers in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
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Comparing salaries near Columbia, SC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in Columbia, SC?
The median annual salary for a Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Columbia, SC is $54,570. This typically ranges from $37,880 for entry-level positions to $74,330 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 13.3% higher than the national median of $48,170.
Is Columbia, SC a lucrative place for Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, Columbia, SC offers a lucrative environment for these roles.The average salary of $54,570 significantly exceeds the national average, and the strong concentration of these jobs (LQ of 2.27) indicates high demand.
Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbia, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Columbia, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($50,980) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Columbia, SC salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary in Columbia, SC ($54,570) is notably higher than the national average ($48,170), indicating a localized pay advantage.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.27 mean for this job role in Columbia, SC?
A Location Quotient of 2.27 signifies that this job role is more than twice as concentrated in Columbia, SC, compared to the national average, suggesting a specialized and active local market.
Is the cost of living in Columbia, SC a factor in the salary?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbia, SC is 100, which is the national average. This means the higher salary is not solely due to increased living expenses but reflects genuine market demand for the role.
How many Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic work in Columbia, SC?
There are approximately 370 individuals employed in this specific role within the Columbia, SC area.
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 Columbia, SC area with a job density of 0.965 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 Columbia, SC