The average salary for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $41,270. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power. Notably, Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 9.88x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,270 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $50,130.
- Outlook: The current demand for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 100 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area economy.
Salary Overview
The average Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-17.9%below the national average.
$19.8
$794
$3,439
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 2 years, Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salaries in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area have remained stable with a modest increase of 9.2%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
The earning potential for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $38,900, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $50,130.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,900 | $18.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $30,953 | $14.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $40,230 | $19.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $51,588 | $24.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $50,130 | $24.1 |
Detailed Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,270
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,270
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $41,270 to $41,270.
Job Market Context
100
Total Jobs
0.562
Per 1K Jobs
9.88
Location Quotient
Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 9.9x the national concentration of Forging 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.
100 people work as Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
Only 0.562 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary | $52,660↑ 28% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $41,270. This typically ranges from $38,900 for entry-level positions to $50,130 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 17.9% lower than the national median of $50,250.
Is Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($41,270), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN ($52,660) and others.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 100 employees in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 0.562 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area