SalaryNode

Average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary in Columbus, IN

The average salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Columbus, IN is $42,070. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market. Notably, Columbus, IN is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 6.25x higher than average.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $42,070 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.6% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,980.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 140 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Columbus, IN economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$42,070

The average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Columbus, IN earns-9.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20.2

Weekly

$809

Monthly

$3,506

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Columbus, IN

The earning potential for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics in Columbus, IN varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $34,300, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $48,980.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$34,300$16.5
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$31,553$15.2
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$41,880$20.1
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$52,588$25.3
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$48,980$23.5

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

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$42,070

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$42,070

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Columbus, IN, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $42,070 to $42,070.

Job Market Context

140

Total Jobs

2.844

Per 1K Jobs

6.25

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Columbus, IN has 6.3x 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.

140 people work as Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Columbus, IN.

Moderate density — roughly 2.844 out of every 1,000 local jobs are in this profession.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in Columbus, IN?

The median annual salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Columbus, IN is $42,070. This typically ranges from $34,300 for entry-level positions to $48,980 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Columbus, IN is 9.7% lower than the national median of $46,600.

Is Columbus, IN a good place for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?

Yes, Columbus, IN is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($42,070), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics. See distinct detailed breakdown below.

Is Columbus, 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 Columbus, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Columbus, IN?

Some top paying nearby cities include Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN ($47,680) and Northern 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 140 employees in the Columbus, IN area with a job density of 2.844 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.