Average Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary in Tennessee
In Tennessee, Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $39,970. This figure is notably below the national average of $50,250, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within the state's manufacturing sector. The lower average pay is often influenced by the cost of living and the concentration of these specialized roles within the local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,970 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,180.
- Outlook: Tennessee's market for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic shows a significant concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 3.53, far exceeding the national average. While the total local workforce of 660 is modest, this high concentration suggests a specialized demand for these skills within the state, pointing towards a robust niche job market for qualified individuals.
Salary Overview
The average Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tennessee earns-20.5%below the national average.
$19.2
$769
$3,331
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Tennessee is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national economic patterns and inflation. Increases in manufacturing output and technological advancements in metal and plastic fabrication likely contribute to a gradual upward pressure on wages for skilled machine operators.
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Tennessee
Salary progression for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tennessee typically correlates with experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with expertise in complex machinery, quality control, and process optimization can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $30,710 | $14.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $29,978 | $14.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $36,000 | $17.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $49,963 | $24 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $58,180 | $28 |
Detailed Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,970
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,215
Adjusted for COL (90.4)
The nominal average salary of $39,970 in Tennessee for this role should be viewed in the context of its Cost of Living Index of 90.4. Since this index is below the national average of 100, the purchasing power of the $39,970 salary is relatively stronger in Tennessee compared to more expensive regions, potentially offsetting the lower nominal wage.
Job Market Context
660
Total Jobs
0.201
Per 1K Jobs
3.53
Location Quotient
Tennessee has 3.5x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 3.53, Tennessee exhibits a strong concentration of Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs compared to the national average. This indicates that these roles are more prevalent in Tennessee's labor market than in the U.S. overall, suggesting a specialized industrial base that actively seeks and employs individuals with these particular manufacturing skills.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary | $43,850↑ 10% | 29 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tennessee
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 Tennessee?
The median annual salary for a Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tennessee is $39,970. This typically ranges from $30,710 for entry-level positions to $58,180 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tennessee is 20.5% lower than the national median of $50,250.
Is Tennessee a lucrative place for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
No, not in terms of nominal salary compared to the national average.While Tennessee offers a lower cost of living which enhances purchasing power, the average salary of $39,970 is significantly below the national average of $50,250 for this profession.
Is Tennessee a good place to live for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
With a Cost of Living Index of 90.4 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tennessee?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($43,850) and others.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 660 suggests a specialized, rather than a broadly populated, sector for these roles. While the absolute number is not large, the high location quotient indicates significant demand relative to the national average.
What does a Location Quotient of 3.53 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 3.53 signifies that Tennessee has 3.53 times the national average concentration of Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs, indicating a strong specialized demand.
How does the cost of living impact the salary?
The Cost of Living Index of 90.4 means that $39,970 in Tennessee has greater purchasing power than it would in a national average cost-of-living area, making the lower nominal salary more palatable.
Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers for this role in Tennessee?
With 0.201 jobs per 1,000 workers, this role represents a small fraction of the overall workforce, but its high location quotient suggests it's a significant niche within Tennessee's manufacturing industry.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 660 employees in the Tennessee area with a job density of 0.201 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 Tennessee