The average salary for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is $41,290. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power. Notably, Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 2.23x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,290 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.4% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,680.
- 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 120 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Kalamazoo-Portage, MI economy.
Salary Overview
The average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI earns-11.4%below the national average.
$19.9
$794
$3,441
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salaries in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI have seen a slight adjustment of -7.4%. 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 Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
The earning potential for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI 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 $37,090, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $48,680.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $37,090 | $17.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $30,968 | $14.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $37,170 | $17.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $51,613 | $24.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $48,680 | $23.4 |
Detailed Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,290
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,290
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $41,290 to $41,290.
Job Market Context
120
Total Jobs
1.014
Per 1K Jobs
2.23
Location Quotient
Kalamazoo-Portage, MI has 2.2x 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.
120 people work as Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI.
1.014 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
Comparing salaries near Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
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 Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
The median annual salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is $41,290. This typically ranges from $37,090 for entry-level positions to $48,680 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 11.4% lower than the national median of $46,600.
Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI a good place for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($41,290), 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 Kalamazoo-Portage, 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 Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Battle Creek, MI ($41,710) and Elkhart-Goshen, IN.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 120 employees in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI area with a job density of 1.014 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 Kalamazoo-Portage, MI