In Pittsburgh, PA, Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic professionals earn an average annual salary of $50,500. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $46,600, indicating a localized premium for these skilled roles. The higher pay in Pittsburgh can be attributed to a combination of regional industry demand and the specific concentration of manufacturing and metalworking enterprises within the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $50,500 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $76,180.
- Outlook: The job market for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Pittsburgh appears robust, with a local workforce of 950 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.88 signifies a significant concentration of these jobs relative to the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand for these specialized skills within the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Pittsburgh, PA earns+8.4%above the national average.
$24.3
$971
$4,208
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 Pittsburgh have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years. This general growth is often driven by inflation, increasing demand for manufactured goods, and the need for skilled labor in specialized industrial sectors, mirroring broader economic trends.
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Pittsburgh, PA
Career progression for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Pittsburgh typically correlates with increased earnings. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the value placed on expertise and proficiency in this trade.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $37,140 | $17.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $37,875 | $18.2 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $46,420 | $22.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $63,125 | $30.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $76,180 | $36.6 |
Detailed Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$50,500
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$50,500
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $50,500 in Pittsburgh for these roles aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the higher local wages effectively compensate for the standard cost of living in the region.
Job Market Context
950
Total Jobs
0.857
Per 1K Jobs
1.88
Location Quotient
Pittsburgh, PA has 1.9x 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 1.88, Pittsburgh demonstrates a job market that is nearly twice as concentrated with Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic compared to the national average. This elevated concentration indicates a specialized and potentially competitive environment where employers actively seek out individuals with these specific manufacturing and finishing skills.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Youngstown-Warren, OH Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary | $44,190↓ 12% | 57 mi |
Comparing salaries near Pittsburgh, PA
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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 Pittsburgh, PA?
The median annual salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Pittsburgh, PA is $50,500. This typically ranges from $37,140 for entry-level positions to $76,180 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Pittsburgh, PA is 8.4% higher than the national median of $46,600.
Is Pittsburgh, PA a lucrative place for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Yes, Pittsburgh offers a lucrative environment for these roles.The average salary of $50,500 is higher than the national average, and the strong concentration of these jobs (LQ of 1.88) suggests robust demand.
Is Pittsburgh, PA 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 Pittsburgh, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Pittsburgh, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Youngstown-Warren, OH ($44,190) and others.
How does the Pittsburgh salary compare to the national average?
Professionals in Pittsburgh earn an average of $50,500 annually, which is $3,900 more than the national average of $46,600.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in Pittsburgh?
An LQ of 1.88 means that Pittsburgh has 1.88 times the national average concentration of Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs, indicating a strong local industry presence.
How does the cost of living in Pittsburgh affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Pittsburgh's cost of living is exactly at the national average. Therefore, the $50,500 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of these jobs in Pittsburgh?
There are approximately 950 Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic employed in the Pittsburgh area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 950 employees in the Pittsburgh, PA area with a job density of 0.857 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 Pittsburgh, PA