The average salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $49,350. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market. Notably, Fort Smith, AR-OK is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 2.46x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $49,350 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 44.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $68,500.
- 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 110 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Fort Smith, AR-OK economy.
Salary Overview
The average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns+5.9%above the national average.
$23.7
$949
$4,113
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 3 years, Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salaries in Fort Smith, AR-OK have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 44.6%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
The earning potential for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics in Fort Smith, AR-OK 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 $31,000, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $68,500.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $31,000 | $14.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $37,013 | $17.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $55,410 | $26.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $61,688 | $29.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $68,500 | $32.9 |
Detailed Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$49,350
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$49,350
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Fort Smith, AR-OK, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $49,350 to $49,350.
Job Market Context
110
Total Jobs
1.117
Per 1K Jobs
2.46
Location Quotient
Fort Smith, AR-OK 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.
110 people work as Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Fort Smith, AR-OK.
1.117 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic positions — a typical concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary | $38,530↓ 22% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $49,350. This typically ranges from $31,000 for entry-level positions to $68,500 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 5.9% higher than the national median of $46,600.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, Fort Smith, AR-OK is an excellent location for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics. It offers both higher-than-average salaries ($49,350) and a high concentration of job opportunities. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK 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 Fort Smith, AR-OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Smith, AR-OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR ($38,530) and others.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 110 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 1.117 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 Fort Smith, AR-OK