In Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Synthetic and Glass Fibers earn an average annual salary of $38,480. This figure is notably below the national average of $47,420, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially regional economic factors influence compensation for this specialized role. The concentration of these roles within the local workforce also plays a significant part in understanding this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,480 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,240.
- Outlook: The local job market for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Synthetic and Glass Fibers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, shows a robust concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 15.24. While the total local workforce of 230 is modest, this high quotient signifies a disproportionately large presence of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable demand within the region's manufacturing sector.
Salary Overview
The average Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-18.9%below the national average.
$18.5
$740
$3,207
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that, similar to national trends, salaries for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for manufactured goods, and the need for skilled labor in the synthetic and glass fiber industry.
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Within the Extruding and Forming Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender profession, salary progression is strongly tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with expertise in complex machinery, quality control, and troubleshooting can expect significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary data for this role clearly signify a career ladder, rewarding accumulated experience and advanced capabilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $34,770 | $16.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $28,860 | $13.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $34,770 | $16.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $48,100 | $23.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $47,240 | $22.7 |
Detailed Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,480
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,480
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $38,480 in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is equivalent to the national average, indicating that while the salary may be lower than the national average for the role, the cost of essential goods and services does not present a disadvantage for residents.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
1.472
Per 1K Jobs
15.24
Location Quotient
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has 15.2x the national concentration of Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 15.24 for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, indicates a highly concentrated market. This suggests that the region is a significant hub for this specific industry, with a demand for these roles that far exceeds the national average relative to the overall workforce. This concentration implies a competitive environment for employers seeking talent but potentially more opportunities for job seekers in this niche.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $38,480. This typically ranges from $34,770 for entry-level positions to $47,240 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 18.9% lower than the national median of $47,420.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a lucrative place for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fiberss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary of $38,480 is significantly lower than the national average of $47,420 for this role.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers?
The Cost of Living Index in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($48,050) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the local workforce size affect job opportunities?
With a total local workforce of 230 in this specific role, the market is relatively specialized. While the high Location Quotient suggests strong industry presence, the absolute number indicates a focused, rather than broad, employment landscape for these positions.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 15.24?
An LQ of 15.24 means that Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers are over 15 times more concentrated in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, than in the average U.S. location. This highlights the region's importance to this industry.
Does experience significantly impact salary for this role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton?
Yes, as with most skilled trades, experience is a key driver of salary. Senior operators with specialized knowledge and a proven track record typically earn more than entry-level technicians.
How does the salary compare to the cost of living in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton?
The average salary of $38,480 is balanced by a Cost of Living Index of 100, meaning that your earnings will have the same purchasing power as the national average. While the salary is below the national average for the role, the cost of living does not exacerbate this difference.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 1.472 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 Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC