In Rockford, IL, Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $43,880. This figure is slightly below the national average of $46,600, a common occurrence in areas with specific industrial concentrations where local economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $43,880 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,380.
- Outlook: Rockford, IL presents a robust employment landscape for Metal Polishers, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 460 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 7.21 signifies a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating strong local demand and a specialized industrial base that supports job security and potential growth in this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Rockford, IL earns-5.8%below the national average.
$21.1
$844
$3,657
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Rockford, IL have likely seen a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national economic patterns and adjustments in the manufacturing sector. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for manufactured goods, and the need to retain skilled labor.
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Rockford, IL
Career progression for Metal Polishers in Rockford, IL, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution underscore these opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $34,560 | $16.6 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $32,910 | $15.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $39,050 | $18.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $54,850 | $26.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $57,380 | $27.6 |
Detailed Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$43,880
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,880
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $43,880 in Rockford, IL aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Rockford is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents without the added pressure of significantly higher or lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
460
Total Jobs
3.28
Per 1K Jobs
7.21
Location Quotient
Rockford, IL has 7.2x 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 7.21, Rockford, IL demonstrates a highly concentrated market for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. This indicates that the demand for these professionals is more than seven times the national average relative to the general workforce, suggesting a competitive environment for employers seeking talent but offering ample opportunities for skilled workers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Rockford, IL
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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 Rockford, IL?
The median annual salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Rockford, IL is $43,880. This typically ranges from $34,560 for entry-level positions to $57,380 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Rockford, IL is 5.8% lower than the national median of $46,600.
Is Rockford, IL a lucrative place for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, with strong concentration and average cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the exceptionally high concentration of these jobs (LQ of 7.21) and a Cost of Living Index matching the national average create a stable and opportunity-rich environment for Metal Polishers in Rockford, IL.
Is Rockford, IL 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 Rockford, IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Rockford, IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Janesville-Beloit, WI ($46,540) and Madison, WI.
What is the average salary for this role in Rockford, IL?
The average annual salary for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Rockford, IL is $43,880.
How does Rockford's Cost of Living compare to the national average?
Rockford, IL has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning living expenses are comparable to the rest of the country.
Is there high demand for Metal Polishers in Rockford, IL?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 7.21 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs in Rockford compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand.
How many Metal Polishers are employed in Rockford, IL?
There are approximately 460 Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic employed in the Rockford, IL area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 460 employees in the Rockford, IL area with a job density of 3.28 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 Rockford, IL