In the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area, Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $42,960. This figure is slightly below the national average of $46,600, suggesting localized market dynamics and potentially a different cost-of-labor structure influence compensation in this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,960 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $55,280.
- Outlook: The Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI metropolitan area supports a substantial local workforce of 740 individuals in this specialized role. With a Location Quotient of 2.9, this occupation is significantly more concentrated here than the national average, indicating robust local demand and a strong presence of related industries that rely on these skilled professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI earns-7.8%below the national average.
$20.7
$826
$3,580
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 Grand Rapids is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national economic patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for manufactured goods, and evolving industry standards typically contribute to salary growth for skilled manufacturing positions.
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Salary progression for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically correlates with experience and skill mastery. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized expertise and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $35,310 | $17 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $32,220 | $15.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $40,620 | $19.5 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $53,700 | $25.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $55,280 | $26.6 |
Detailed Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,960
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,960
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $42,960 in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for professionals considering a move to or within the region.
Job Market Context
740
Total Jobs
1.318
Per 1K Jobs
2.9
Location Quotient
Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI has 2.9x 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 2.9 for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI signifies a highly concentrated job market. This suggests that the region has a disproportionately large number of these jobs compared to the national average, indicating strong industry presence and potentially higher competition for available roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
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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 Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The median annual salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $42,960. This typically ranges from $35,310 for entry-level positions to $55,280 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 7.8% lower than the national median of $46,600.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a lucrative place for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to the cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the effective earning potential comparable. Furthermore, the high concentration of these roles suggests strong local demand.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI 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 Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI ($42,870) and Kalamazoo-Portage, MI.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 740 indicates a significant pool of skilled workers, suggesting a mature market. While this can mean more opportunities, it might also imply a competitive environment for new entrants.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.9 mean for this job role?
A Location Quotient of 2.9 means this job is nearly three times more common in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI than the national average. This points to a strong local industry demand for these specialized skills.
How does the Cost of Living Index of 100 affect the salary?
An index of 100 means the cost of living in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is exactly average compared to the rest of the United States. Therefore, the $42,960 salary has average purchasing power.
What is the number of jobs per 1,000 workers for this role in Grand Rapids?
There are 1.318 jobs per 1,000 workers in this field within the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area, indicating a moderate level of employment density for this occupation.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 740 employees in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area with a job density of 1.318 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 Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI