In Birmingham, AL, Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $40,950. This figure is notably below the national average of $46,600, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand contribute to this pay differential. The cost of living in Birmingham aligns with the national average, making this salary comparison particularly important for potential and current employees.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,950 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $50,040.
- Outlook: The local job market for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Birmingham, AL, shows a moderate level of concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.79, which is significantly above the national average. While the total local workforce of 420 is not exceptionally large, this higher concentration suggests a specialized demand for these roles within the region, potentially offering more opportunities than a typical metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Birmingham, AL earns-12.1%below the national average.
$19.7
$788
$3,413
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for skilled trades like Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory likely reflects increased demand for manufactured goods and a need for specialized labor to maintain production quality.
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Birmingham, AL
Career progression for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically involves gaining experience and mastering advanced techniques. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial earning potential through skill development and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $34,420 | $16.5 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $30,713 | $14.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $38,580 | $18.5 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $51,188 | $24.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $50,040 | $24.1 |
Detailed Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,950
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,950
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $40,950 in Birmingham, AL, is positioned directly against a Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is equivalent to the national average, making the $40,950 salary neither particularly advantageous nor disadvantageous in terms of real income compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
420
Total Jobs
0.812
Per 1K Jobs
1.79
Location Quotient
Birmingham, AL has 1.8x the national concentration of Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool 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 1.79, Birmingham, AL, demonstrates a concentration of Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic that is 79% higher than the national average. This indicates a relatively robust and specialized job market for these roles, suggesting that employers in the area may face more competition for skilled talent, potentially influencing hiring practices and compensation strategies.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Birmingham, AL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in Birmingham, AL?
The median annual salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Birmingham, AL is $40,950. This typically ranges from $34,420 for entry-level positions to $50,040 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Birmingham, AL is 12.1% lower than the national median of $46,600.
Is Birmingham, AL a lucrative place for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
No, it is not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $40,950 is below the national average of $46,600, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Birmingham, 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 Birmingham, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Birmingham, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area ($41,530) and Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
How does Birmingham's cost of living compare to the national average?
Birmingham, AL has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the general cost of goods and services is neither higher nor lower than the typical US city.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.79 mean for this job role in Birmingham?
A Location Quotient of 1.79 signifies that this job role is 79% more concentrated in Birmingham than the national average, indicating a higher demand or a more established industry presence for these specific metalworking positions.
How many Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are there in Birmingham?
There are approximately 420 individuals employed in this specific role within the Birmingham, AL workforce.
What is the average salary for this role nationally?
The national average annual salary for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic is $46,600.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 420 employees in the Birmingham, AL area with a job density of 0.812 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 Birmingham, AL