In the Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area, Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $41,530. This figure is notably below the national average of $46,600, a disparity often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific industrial landscape of the area. The concentration of these specialized roles within the local economy plays a significant part in shaping compensation levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,530 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $51,320.
- Outlook: The job market for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Northeast Alabama appears robust, indicated by a substantial local workforce of 350 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 5.05 signifies a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a specialized industrial base.
Salary Overview
The average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area earns-10.9%below the national average.
$20
$799
$3,461
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 Northeast Alabama is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic recovery and inflation. Increases in manufacturing output and demand for skilled labor typically correlate with upward pressure on wages for specialized machine operators.
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles with increased responsibilities and expertise. Salary ranges generally expand significantly with experience, with senior operators commanding higher compensation due to their proficiency, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage complex machinery.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $31,720 | $15.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $31,148 | $15 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $42,110 | $20.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $51,913 | $25 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $51,320 | $24.7 |
Detailed Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,530
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,530
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $41,530 in Northeast Alabama aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is below the national average, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services locally is comparable to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
350
Total Jobs
2.297
Per 1K Jobs
5.05
Location Quotient
Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area has 5.0x 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 5.05, Northeast Alabama 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 and potentially a competitive environment for skilled workers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area
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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 Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is $41,530. This typically ranges from $31,720 for entry-level positions to $51,320 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 10.9% lower than the national median of $46,600.
Is Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the local cost of living is average, the average salary of $41,530 is below the national average of $46,600, indicating less earning potential in this specific region.
Is Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area 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 Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($42,260) and Birmingham, AL.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 350 suggests a stable, established presence of these roles, indicating consistent demand and opportunities within the region's specialized industries.
What does a Location Quotient of 5.05 mean for this job?
A Location Quotient of 5.05 signifies that this job is over five times more concentrated in Northeast Alabama than the national average, pointing to a specialized regional industry.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the $41,530 salary?
A Cost of Living Index of 100 means the local expenses are average nationally, so the $41,530 salary has average purchasing power, despite being below the national average wage.
Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers for this role in Northeast Alabama?
With 2.297 jobs per 1,000 workers, this role represents a notable portion of the local employment landscape, reflecting its importance to the regional economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 350 employees in the Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.297 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 Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area