In the Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area, Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $45,520. This figure is slightly below the national average of $46,600, a common occurrence in nonmetropolitan regions where localized economic factors and industry concentration can influence compensation levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,520 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,090.
- Outlook: The job market for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Northwestern Pennsylvania is notably robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 370 individuals. The high Location Quotient of 5.46 strongly indicates a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable and potentially growing demand for skilled professionals in this sector within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area earns-2.3%below the national average.
$21.9
$875
$3,793
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 that salaries for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Northwestern Pennsylvania have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years. This general growth is typical across many manufacturing and industrial sectors, driven by inflation, increased demand for specialized skills, and evolving industry standards.
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the value placed on expertise and efficiency in this specialized trade.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $34,460 | $16.6 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $34,140 | $16.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $44,670 | $21.5 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $56,900 | $27.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $58,090 | $27.9 |
Detailed Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,520
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,520
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $45,520 in Northwestern Pennsylvania aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in this region is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the take-home pay offers a similar standard of living as experienced elsewhere in the country, without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
370
Total Jobs
2.482
Per 1K Jobs
5.46
Location Quotient
Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area has 5.5x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 5.46, Northwestern Pennsylvania exhibits a highly concentrated market for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. This significantly above-average concentration suggests that the demand for these specialized roles is robust within the region, potentially offering more opportunities and a competitive environment for both employers seeking talent and individuals seeking employment in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Northwestern Pennsylvania 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 Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is $45,520. This typically ranges from $34,460 for entry-level positions to $58,090 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 2.3% lower than the national median of $46,600.
Is Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to its cost of living.The average salary of $45,520 is close to the national average, and with a Cost of Living Index of 100, the purchasing power remains strong.
Is Northwestern Pennsylvania 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 Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include State College, PA ($45,310) and Elmira, NY.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?
A local workforce of 370 indicates a substantial presence of these professionals, suggesting a stable job market with ongoing demand for skilled individuals in the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 5.46 signify?
A Location Quotient of 5.46 means that this profession is over 5 times more concentrated in Northwestern Pennsylvania than the national average, highlighting a specialized and potentially high-demand market.
How does the job density (jobs per 1,000 workers) compare nationally?
With 2.482 jobs per 1,000 workers, this role represents a notable segment of the local employment landscape, indicating consistent opportunities within the region's industrial base.
Is the salary competitive compared to the national average?
The average local salary of $45,520 is slightly lower than the national average of $46,600, but this difference is often offset by the comparable cost of living.
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 Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.482 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 Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area