In Central Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas, Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $48,290. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $46,600, indicating a localized premium for these skilled manufacturing roles. The specific demands and industrial composition of the region likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $48,290 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,530.
- Outlook: The job market for these specialized metal and plastic machine operators in Central Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan regions appears robust. With a total local workforce of 210 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 2.51, the concentration of these jobs is significantly higher than the national average. This suggests a strong and sustained demand for these skilled positions within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area earns+3.6%above the national average.
$23.2
$929
$4,024
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Central Pennsylvania is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic patterns and inflation. Skilled manufacturing roles often see incremental pay increases as demand for expertise rises and operational costs adjust.
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Central Pennsylvania typically involves increased responsibility and specialized skill acquisition. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles of the salary range, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and advanced certifications can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting a significant earning potential increase.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $36,100 | $17.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $36,218 | $17.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $45,550 | $21.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $60,363 | $29 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $78,530 | $37.8 |
Detailed Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$48,290
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,290
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $48,290 in Central Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national standard, making relocation to this region financially neutral in terms of everyday expenses.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
1.14
Per 1K Jobs
2.51
Location Quotient
Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area has 2.5x 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.
A Location Quotient of 2.51 for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Central Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that these roles are more prevalent here than in the nation overall, suggesting a specialized industrial base that actively seeks and retains this talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
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 Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is $48,290. This typically ranges from $36,100 for entry-level positions to $78,530 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 3.6% higher than the national median of $46,600.
Is Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Yes, it offers a salary advantage over the national average.The average salary of $48,290 is higher than the national average of $46,600, and the cost of living is at the national average, meaning your earnings have strong purchasing power.
Is Central Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include State College, PA ($45,310) and Elmira, NY.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?
A local workforce of 210 suggests a dedicated, albeit specialized, pool of talent. While not a massive number, the high Location Quotient indicates these roles are a significant part of the local industrial fabric, implying stable opportunities for those with the right skills.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.51 mean for this job title?
A Location Quotient of 2.51 means that this job title is more than twice as concentrated in Central Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas compared to the national average. This points to a strong regional demand and a specialized industry presence.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $48,290 salary in Central Pennsylvania has the same purchasing power as the national average salary. This means your income stretches as far locally as it would nationally, making it a stable financial environment.
Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers for this role in Central PA?
With 1.14 jobs per 1,000 workers, this role represents a small but significant portion of the total employment landscape in Central Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas, reflecting its specialized nature within the region's economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.14 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 Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area