SalaryNode

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

In Indiana, Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $46,020. This figure is slightly below the national average of $46,600, a common occurrence in regions with a lower cost of living. Indiana's economic landscape and specific industry demands contribute to this localized pay rate.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $46,020 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,870.
  • Outlook: Indiana boasts a robust employment landscape for Metal Polishers, with a total local workforce of 4,590 individuals. The Location Quotient of 3.17 significantly exceeds the national average, indicating a strong concentration of these roles within the state. This high concentration, coupled with 1.44 jobs per 1,000 workers, suggests a healthy and active demand for skilled professionals in this sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$46,020

The average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Indiana earns-1.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$22.1

Weekly

$885

Monthly

$3,835

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

Career progression for Metal Polishers in Indiana typically involves a significant 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 salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career trajectory and earning potential as one advances in this field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$35,440$17
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$34,515$16.6
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$44,610$21.4
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$57,525$27.7
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$61,870$29.7

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

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$46,020

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$51,133

Adjusted for COL (90)

The nominal average annual salary of $46,020 in Indiana presents a favorable financial situation when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 90. This index, which is 10% lower than the national average, means that the purchasing power of an Indiana-based Metal Polisher's salary is effectively higher than the national average salary in a higher cost-of-living area.

Job Market Context

4,590

Total Jobs

1.44

Per 1K Jobs

3.17

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Indiana has 3.2x 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.

Indiana's Location Quotient of 3.17 for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders signifies a market that is significantly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a robust and specialized industry presence within the state, indicating a competitive but abundant job market where employers actively seek these skilled workers.

Nearby Job Markets

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 Indiana?

The median annual salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Indiana is $46,020. This typically ranges from $35,440 for entry-level positions to $61,870 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Indiana is 1.2% lower than the national median of $46,600.

Is Indiana a lucrative place for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?

Yes, particularly when considering the cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, Indiana's significantly lower cost of living index means your earnings have greater purchasing power. The high concentration of these roles also indicates strong local demand.

Is Indiana a good place to live for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?

With a Cost of Living Index of 90 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Indiana?

Some top paying nearby cities include Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN ($47,680) and Columbus, IN.

How does Indiana's cost of living affect Metal Polisher salaries?

Indiana's Cost of Living Index of 90 means that $46,020 earned locally has the purchasing power equivalent to a higher nominal salary in a more expensive state, making it financially advantageous.

What does the Location Quotient of 3.17 mean for Metal Polishers in Indiana?

A Location Quotient of 3.17 indicates that Metal Polishers are over three times more concentrated in Indiana compared to the national average, suggesting a strong industry presence and demand for these roles.

How many Metal Polishers are employed in Indiana?

There are approximately 4,590 Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic employed within Indiana.

Are Metal Polisher jobs growing in Indiana?

With a high Location Quotient and a substantial local workforce, the outlook for Metal Polisher jobs in Indiana appears robust, indicating consistent demand within the state's manufacturing sector.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,590 employees in the Indiana area with a job density of 1.44 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.