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Average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary in Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI

In Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI, Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $42,870. This figure is slightly below the national average of $46,600, a difference often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the local manufacturing sector. The concentration of these roles in Muskegon-Norton Shores suggests a specialized local industry that shapes compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $42,870 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,860.
  • Outlook: The Muskegon-Norton Shores area demonstrates a robust job market for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, with a total local workforce of 370 individuals in this role. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 13.07 indicates a significant concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a specialized industrial base that relies heavily on these skilled positions.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$42,870

The average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI earns-8.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20.6

Weekly

$824

Monthly

$3,573

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI

Salary progression for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically scales with experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with expertise in advanced techniques, quality control, and machine maintenance can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, rewarding accumulated knowledge and proficiency.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$31,920$15.3
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$32,153$15.5
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$40,980$19.7
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$53,588$25.8
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$49,860$24

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

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$42,870

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$42,870

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $42,870 in Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the nominal wage effectively covers typical living expenses without a significant premium or discount due to the local economic environment.

Job Market Context

370

Total Jobs

5.943

Per 1K Jobs

13.07

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI has 13.1x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 13.07, Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI, exhibits a highly concentrated market for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. This indicates that these roles are significantly more prevalent in this region than the national average, suggesting a specialized industrial ecosystem that creates a competitive environment for employers seeking these skilled workers and ample opportunities for job seekers.

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 Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI?

The median annual salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI is $42,870. This typically ranges from $31,920 for entry-level positions to $49,860 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI is 8.0% lower than the national median of $46,600.

Is Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI a lucrative place for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?

Yes, it is a highly concentrated market with average cost of living.The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 13.07 signifies a strong local demand and specialization in these roles. While the salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living being at the national average ensures comparable purchasing power.

Is Muskegon-Norton Shores, 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 Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI?

Some top paying nearby cities include Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI ($42,960) and Kalamazoo-Portage, MI.

How does the Muskegon-Norton Shores salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI, is $42,870, which is slightly lower than the national average of $46,600 for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic.

What does a Location Quotient of 13.07 mean for this job in Muskegon-Norton Shores?

A Location Quotient of 13.07 means that this occupation is over 13 times more concentrated in Muskegon-Norton Shores than the national average, indicating a very strong local presence and demand for these specialized roles.

How does the cost of living in Muskegon-Norton Shores affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Muskegon-Norton Shores is at the national average. This means the $42,870 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it relatively stable in terms of real wages.

What is the total number of these jobs in Muskegon-Norton Shores?

There are approximately 370 Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic employed in the Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 370 employees in the Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI area with a job density of 5.943 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.