In the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area, Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $47,420. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $46,600, indicating a localized premium for these skilled manufacturing roles. The specific demands and industrial landscape of the Chicago region likely contribute to this favorable compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,420 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,780.
- Outlook: The local job market for Metal Polishers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin appears robust, evidenced by a total workforce of 3,380 individuals in this occupation. The Location Quotient of 1.66 signifies a concentration of these jobs significantly above the national average, suggesting strong and consistent demand within the region's manufacturing sector.
Salary Overview
The average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earns+1.8%above the national average.
$22.8
$912
$3,952
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, Metal and Plastic in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and the increasing value placed on skilled manufacturing labor.
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Career progression for Metal Polishers typically involves a 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 significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles of the reported average.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $36,920 | $17.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $35,565 | $17.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $45,140 | $21.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $59,275 | $28.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $61,780 | $29.7 |
Detailed Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,420
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$47,420
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $47,420 in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, providing a stable financial footing for residents.
Job Market Context
3,380
Total Jobs
0.756
Per 1K Jobs
1.66
Location Quotient
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN has 1.7x 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 1.66, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area demonstrates a notable concentration of Metal Polisher roles compared to the rest of the nation. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market, where employers actively seek skilled individuals, and a healthy number of opportunities are available for qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
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 Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median annual salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $47,420. This typically ranges from $36,920 for entry-level positions to $61,780 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 1.8% higher than the national median of $46,600.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a lucrative place for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, it offers slightly above-average compensation.The average salary of $47,420 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating good earning potential.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 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 Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Michigan City-La Porte, IN ($41,860) and Kenosha, WI.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 3,380 suggests a substantial pool of professionals in this field, indicating a mature and active job market with ongoing demand for skilled workers.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.66 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.66 means that jobs for Metal Polishers are 66% more concentrated in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area than the national average, signaling strong regional demand.
How does the cost of living affect the $47,420 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $47,420 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a national average cost of living area.
Are there many job opportunities for Metal Polishers in this region?
Yes, the combination of a significant local workforce and a high Location Quotient suggests a healthy number of opportunities for those in this specialized manufacturing role.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,380 employees in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area with a job density of 0.756 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 Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN