Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders in California earn an average annual salary of $47,900. This figure is slightly above the national average of $46,600, indicating a modest premium for skilled labor in the Golden State. Factors such as California's robust manufacturing sector and higher operational costs likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,900 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $63,040.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 7,800 individuals and a Location Quotient of 0.95, the job market for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders in California is stable and closely mirrors national employment concentrations. While not exceptionally concentrated, this indicates a consistent demand for these specialized roles within the state's industrial landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California earns+2.8%above the national average.
$23
$921
$3,992
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 reasonable to assume that salaries for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders in California have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for manufactured goods, and the continuous need for skilled tradespeople in a dynamic economy.
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in California
Career progression for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders in California typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify substantial opportunities for career advancement and higher earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $36,330 | $17.5 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $35,925 | $17.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $45,640 | $21.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $59,875 | $28.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $63,040 | $30.3 |
Detailed Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,900
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,585
Adjusted for COL (138.5)
The average annual salary of $47,900 in California for this role must be considered in the context of a Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the actual purchasing power of that salary is diminished due to the significantly higher cost of goods and services in the state. Prospective workers should carefully weigh the higher pay against the increased expenses.
Job Market Context
7,800
Total Jobs
0.432
Per 1K Jobs
0.95
Location Quotient
California has 0.95x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.95 suggests that the job market for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders in California is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a competitive but not oversaturated market, where opportunities exist but may require diligent searching and a strong skill set to secure.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near California
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 California?
The median annual salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California is $47,900. This typically ranges from $36,330 for entry-level positions to $63,040 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in California is 2.8% higher than the national median of $46,600.
Is California a lucrative place for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, with caveats.California offers a slightly higher average salary than the national average for this role. However, the significantly higher cost of living means that the real purchasing power of this salary is reduced.
Is California 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 California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near California?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fresno, CA ($40,980) and Bakersfield-Delano, CA.
What is the average salary for a Grinding Machine Operator in California?
The average annual salary for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California is $47,900.
How does California's salary compare to the national average for this role?
California's average salary of $47,900 is slightly higher than the national average of $46,600.
What is the concentration of this job in California compared to the rest of the US?
The Location Quotient for this role in California is 0.95, indicating that the concentration of these jobs in the state is very close to the national average.
How does the cost of living in California affect the salary for this position?
With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, California is significantly more expensive than the national average, meaning the $47,900 salary has less purchasing power than it would in a lower-cost state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,800 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.432 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 California