The average salary for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $39,280. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Auburn-Opelika, AL may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,280 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $65,580.
- Outlook: The current demand for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 30 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Auburn-Opelika, AL economy.
Salary Overview
The average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Auburn-Opelika, AL earns-15.7%below the national average.
$18.9
$755
$3,273
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 2 years, Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salaries in Auburn-Opelika, AL have shown healthy growth of 12.1%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Auburn-Opelika, AL
The earning potential for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics in Auburn-Opelika, AL 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 $29,250, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $65,580.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $29,250 | $14.1 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $29,460 | $14.2 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $33,520 | $16.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $49,100 | $23.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $65,580 | $31.5 |
Detailed Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,280
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,280
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Auburn-Opelika, AL, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $39,280 to $39,280.
Job Market Context
30
Total Jobs
0.439
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Auburn-Opelika, AL has 0.97x the national average concentration of Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
30 people work as Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Auburn-Opelika, AL.
Only 0.439 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Auburn-Opelika, AL
Hiring Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
The median annual salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $39,280. This typically ranges from $29,250 for entry-level positions to $65,580 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 15.7% lower than the national median of $46,600.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a good place for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $39,280 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Auburn-Opelika, AL. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a good place to live for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Auburn-Opelika, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($42,260) and Anniston-Oxford, AL.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 30 employees in the Auburn-Opelika, AL area with a job density of 0.439 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Auburn-Opelika, AL