In the Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area, Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $47,370. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $46,600, indicating a localized demand that influences compensation. The specific industrial landscape and manufacturing concentration within this region play a significant role in driving these competitive wages.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,370 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $63,790.
- Outlook: The job market for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Northern Indiana appears robust, with a substantial local workforce of 1,110 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 11.5 signifies a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand within the region's manufacturing sector.
Salary Overview
The average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area earns+1.7%above the national average.
$22.8
$911
$3,948
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a trend of salary growth over the past four years for these skilled manufacturing roles. Economic factors, including inflation, increased demand for manufactured goods, and the need for specialized labor, typically contribute to upward pressure on wages in such specialized industrial sectors.
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically involves a salary scale that increases with experience and skill. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized expertise and a proven track record can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their value and contribution to production quality and efficiency.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $35,970 | $17.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $35,528 | $17.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $45,970 | $22.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $59,213 | $28.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $63,790 | $30.7 |
Detailed Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,370
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$47,370
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $47,370 in Northern Indiana aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, making the region neither significantly more nor less affordable than the typical American locale from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
1,110
Total Jobs
5.229
Per 1K Jobs
11.5
Location Quotient
Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area has 11.5x 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.
The Location Quotient of 11.5 for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Northern Indiana is exceptionally high. This indicates that the region has a highly concentrated industry for these roles, suggesting a competitive market where employers actively seek specialized talent, and the availability of skilled workers may be more limited relative to demand.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Northern Indiana 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 Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area is $47,370. This typically ranges from $35,970 for entry-level positions to $63,790 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area is 1.7% higher than the national median of $46,600.
Is Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Yes, it offers slightly above-average compensation.The average salary of $47,370 is higher than the national average, and the extremely high Location Quotient of 11.5 indicates strong regional demand for these specialized roles.
Is Northern Indiana 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 Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN ($47,680) and Columbus, IN.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary of $47,370 in Northern Indiana is slightly higher than the national average of $46,600, suggesting a modest premium for this role in the region.
What does the Location Quotient of 11.5 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 11.5 signifies that these roles are over 11 times more concentrated in Northern Indiana than the national average, indicating a very strong and specialized job market for these positions.
How does the Cost of Living affect the salary in Northern Indiana?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $47,370 salary in Northern Indiana has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, meaning it is neither exceptionally high nor low relative to local expenses.
What is the total number of these jobs in the area?
There are approximately 1,110 Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic employed in the Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,110 employees in the Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.229 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 Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area