In Reading, PA, Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic professionals earn an average annual salary of $51,630. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $46,600, indicating a robust local demand and potentially higher skill requirements that drive compensation in this Pennsylvania city.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $51,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $65,970.
- Outlook: The local job market for Metal Polishers in Reading, PA, appears exceptionally strong. With a total local workforce of 470 individuals in this specialized role, and a Location Quotient of 6.01, the concentration of these jobs is more than six times the national average. This high concentration suggests a significant and sustained demand for these skilled professionals within the Reading area.
Salary Overview
The average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Reading, PA earns+10.8%above the national average.
$24.8
$993
$4,303
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 Reading, PA, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages for skilled manufacturing roles. This upward trajectory is likely driven by inflation, evolving industry demands, and a competitive labor market.
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Reading, PA
Career progression for Metal Polishers in Reading, PA, typically sees a substantial salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the value placed on expertise and longevity in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,010 | $18.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $38,723 | $18.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $51,380 | $24.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $64,538 | $31 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $65,970 | $31.7 |
Detailed Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$51,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$51,630
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $51,630 in Reading, PA, offers excellent purchasing power, as the local Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average of 100. This means that the salary earned by Metal Polishers in Reading provides a standard of living equivalent to the national average, without the added financial strain of a higher cost of living often found in other metropolitan areas.
Job Market Context
470
Total Jobs
2.733
Per 1K Jobs
6.01
Location Quotient
Reading, PA has 6.0x 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.
A Location Quotient of 6.01 for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Reading, PA, signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that the demand for these roles is substantially higher relative to the national average, suggesting a competitive environment for employers seeking talent and a favorable landscape for job seekers in this specific trade.
Nearby Job Markets
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Comparing salaries near Reading, 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 Reading, PA?
The median annual salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Reading, PA is $51,630. This typically ranges from $38,010 for entry-level positions to $65,970 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Reading, PA is 10.8% higher than the national median of $46,600.
Is Reading, PA a lucrative place for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, Reading, PA is a lucrative location for these professionals.The average salary of $51,630 significantly exceeds the national average, and the high concentration of these jobs (LQ 6.01) points to strong local demand.
Is Reading, 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 Reading, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Reading, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lebanon, PA ($43,040) and Lancaster, PA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary in Reading, PA, is $51,630, which is notably higher than the national average of $46,600 for the same role.
What is the concentration of Metal Polishers in Reading, PA?
Reading, PA has a high concentration of these roles, with a Location Quotient of 6.01, meaning the jobs are over six times more prevalent than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Reading, PA?
The cost of living in Reading, PA, is at the national average (100), meaning the $51,630 salary offers standard purchasing power compared to the rest of the country.
What does the job market look like for this role in Reading, PA?
The job market is robust, with 2.733 jobs per 1,000 workers and a significant local workforce of 470, indicating strong and consistent demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 470 employees in the Reading, PA area with a job density of 2.733 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 Reading, PA