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

In Elkhart-Goshen, IN, Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $46,990. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $46,600, indicating a localized demand that influences compensation. The concentration of these roles within the region suggests specific industry needs driving this competitive pay.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $46,990 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,120.
  • Outlook: The Elkhart-Goshen area demonstrates a robust job market for Metal and Plastic Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 350 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 5.99 signifies a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, pointing to strong and sustained demand within the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$46,990

The average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Elkhart-Goshen, IN earns+0.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$22.6

Weekly

$904

Monthly

$3,916

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

Career progression for Metal and Plastic Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Elkhart-Goshen typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$39,140$18.8
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$35,243$16.9
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$45,160$21.7
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$58,738$28.2
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$58,120$27.9

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

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$46,990

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$46,990

Adjusted for COL (100)

For professionals considering a move to Elkhart-Goshen, the average annual salary of $46,990 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Elkhart-Goshen is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without the pressure of higher living expenses.

Job Market Context

350

Total Jobs

2.722

Per 1K Jobs

5.99

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Elkhart-Goshen, IN has 6.0x 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.

The Location Quotient of 5.99 for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Elkhart-Goshen indicates a highly concentrated job market. This suggests that the demand for these specialized skills is nearly six times greater than the national average, making the local job market particularly competitive for employers seeking talent and offering significant opportunities for skilled workers.

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 Elkhart-Goshen, IN?

The median annual salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Elkhart-Goshen, IN is $46,990. This typically ranges from $39,140 for entry-level positions to $58,120 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Elkhart-Goshen, IN is 0.8% higher than the national median of $46,600.

Is Elkhart-Goshen, IN a lucrative place for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?

Yes, Elkhart-Goshen, IN offers a slightly above-average salary for these roles with a cost of living at the national average.The average salary of $46,990 in Elkhart-Goshen exceeds the national average, and with a Cost of Living Index of 100, your earnings maintain strong purchasing power.

Is Elkhart-Goshen, 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 Elkhart-Goshen, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Elkhart-Goshen, IN?

Some top paying nearby cities include South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI ($43,560) and Niles, MI.

How does the local workforce size impact job availability?

A local workforce of 350 for this role, combined with a high Location Quotient, suggests a strong, established industry presence and consistent demand for these skilled positions in Elkhart-Goshen.

What does a Location Quotient of 5.99 mean for job seekers?

A Location Quotient of 5.99 signifies that Elkhart-Goshen has a significantly higher concentration of these jobs than the national average, indicating a robust and specialized local market with ample opportunities.

How does the Cost of Living in Elkhart-Goshen compare nationally?

Elkhart-Goshen's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning that the general expenses for housing, food, and transportation are comparable to the rest of the country.

Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers for this role in Elkhart-Goshen?

With 2.722 jobs per 1,000 workers, Elkhart-Goshen shows a notable presence of these roles relative to its overall workforce, reinforcing the specialized demand in the region.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 350 employees in the Elkhart-Goshen, IN area with a job density of 2.722 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.