In Pennsylvania, Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $47,530. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $46,600, indicating a favorable compensation landscape within the state. Localized demand and industry concentration are key drivers influencing this elevated pay.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,530 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,960.
- Outlook: Pennsylvania's market for Metal Polishers is robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 4,280 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.57 signifies a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand for skilled professionals in this sector within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Pennsylvania earns+2.0%above the national average.
$22.9
$914
$3,961
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 Pennsylvania have experienced steady growth over the past four years. Economic factors, inflation, and evolving industry demands typically contribute to an upward trend in compensation for skilled manufacturing roles.
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Pennsylvania
Career progression for Metal Polishers in Pennsylvania typically correlates with increased earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles, often reflected in salary percentiles, highlights the value of accumulated expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $35,880 | $17.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $35,648 | $17.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $45,550 | $21.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $59,413 | $28.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $61,960 | $29.8 |
Detailed Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,530
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,010
Adjusted for COL (99)
The average annual salary of $47,530 in Pennsylvania aligns favorably with the state's Cost of Living Index of 99, which is precisely at the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power that is very close to the national standard, making relocation to Pennsylvania for this profession financially neutral from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
4,280
Total Jobs
0.712
Per 1K Jobs
1.57
Location Quotient
Pennsylvania has 1.6x 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 1.57, Pennsylvania exhibits a higher concentration of Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic than the national average. This suggests a more competitive or at least a more abundant job market for these roles within the state, potentially offering more opportunities but also indicating a strong existing talent pool.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Pennsylvania
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 Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Pennsylvania is $47,530. This typically ranges from $35,880 for entry-level positions to $61,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Pennsylvania is 2.0% higher than the national median of $46,600.
Is Pennsylvania a lucrative place for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Yes, Pennsylvania offers slightly above-average compensation for this role.The average salary of $47,530 in Pennsylvania exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating good earning potential.
Is Pennsylvania a good place to live for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
With a Cost of Living Index of 99 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Pennsylvania?
Some top paying nearby cities include State College, PA ($45,310) and Elmira, NY.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
Pennsylvania has 0.712 jobs per 1,000 workers for this role, which is a key indicator of local job availability relative to the overall workforce.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ)?
An LQ of 1.57 means that the concentration of Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Pennsylvania is 57% higher than the national average, indicating a specialized industry presence.
How does the average salary compare to the national average?
The average salary of $47,530 in Pennsylvania is higher than the national average of $46,600, suggesting better compensation opportunities within the state for this profession.
What does the Cost of Living Index of 99 imply for this salary?
A Cost of Living Index of 99 means that the cost of living in Pennsylvania is equivalent to the national average, so the $47,530 salary offers purchasing power consistent with the national median.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,280 employees in the Pennsylvania area with a job density of 0.712 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Pennsylvania
- All Occupations Salary in Pennsylvania
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Pennsylvania
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Pennsylvania
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Pennsylvania
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Pennsylvania
- Management Occupations Salary in Pennsylvania
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Pennsylvania
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Pennsylvania
- Production Occupations Salary in Pennsylvania
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Pennsylvania
- Browse All Jobs in Pennsylvania →
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 Pennsylvania