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Average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area

In the Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area, Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $43,740. This figure is slightly below the national average of $46,600, a common occurrence in regions with a lower cost of living and a specialized industrial base. The local economic landscape and demand for these specific manufacturing skills influence this compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $43,740 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $54,440.
  • Outlook: The job market for Metal Polishers in Central Indiana appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 450 individuals. The high Location Quotient of 6.09 strongly indicates a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a specialized and potentially stable demand within the region's manufacturing sector.
BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$21

Weekly

$841

Monthly

$3,645

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area

Career progression for Metal Polishers in Central Indiana typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the value placed on expertise and efficiency in this trade.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$30,060$14.5
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$32,805$15.8
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$44,170$21.2
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$54,675$26.3
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$54,440$26.2

Detailed Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$43,740

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$43,740

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $43,740 in Central Indiana aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.

Job Market Context

450

Total Jobs

2.768

Per 1K Jobs

6.09

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area has 6.1x 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 6.09, Central Indiana exhibits a highly concentrated market for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. This indicates that these roles are significantly more prevalent here than the national average, suggesting a strong regional specialization and potentially a competitive environment for both employers seeking talent and individuals seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

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 Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area is $43,740. This typically ranges from $30,060 for entry-level positions to $54,440 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area is 6.1% lower than the national median of $46,600.

Is Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?

Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to its cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning your earnings have equivalent purchasing power. The high concentration of these jobs suggests strong local demand.

Is Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area 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 Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN ($47,680) and Columbus, IN.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary in Central Indiana for this role is $43,740, which is slightly lower than the national average of $46,600.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 6.09?

An LQ of 6.09 means that the concentration of Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Central Indiana is over six times higher than the national average, indicating a strong regional specialization.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in Central Indiana?

The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $43,740 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a typical US location.

What is the total workforce size for this occupation in Central Indiana?

There are approximately 450 individuals employed as Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in the Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 450 employees in the Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.768 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.