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Average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA

In the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metropolitan area, Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $47,410. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $46,600, indicating a localized premium for these skilled roles. The specific demands and economic landscape of the San Diego region contribute to this slightly elevated compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $47,410 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,860.
  • Outlook: The job market for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA, appears stable with a local workforce of 500 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.72 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, implying that while the profession is present, it's not disproportionately dominant within the local economy compared to national trends. This indicates a steady, rather than rapidly expanding, demand for these specialized skills.
BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$22.8

Weekly

$912

Monthly

$3,951

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA

Career progression for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career trajectory and the financial rewards associated with accumulating expertise and taking on more complex responsibilities within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$36,030$17.3
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$35,558$17.1
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$44,870$21.6
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$59,263$28.5
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$61,860$29.7

Detailed Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$47,410

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$47,410

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $47,410 in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the national average, suggesting that while the salary is slightly above the national average for the role, the cost of living does not present a significant disadvantage or advantage for individuals relocating to the area.

Job Market Context

500

Total Jobs

0.328

Per 1K Jobs

0.72

Location Quotient

Below Average

San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA has 0.72x the national average concentration of Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

With a Location Quotient of 0.72, the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA, market for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that the job market is not oversaturated, and there may be opportunities for skilled individuals. However, it also implies that the demand might be more niche compared to regions with a higher concentration of these specific manufacturing roles.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Comparing salaries near San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA

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 San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?

The median annual salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is $47,410. This typically ranges from $36,030 for entry-level positions to $61,860 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is 1.7% higher than the national median of $46,600.

Is San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA a lucrative place for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?

Yes, it offers a slightly above-average salary with a balanced cost of living.The average salary of $47,410 is marginally higher than the national average, and the Cost of Living Index of 100 indicates that your earnings will have comparable purchasing power to the national average.

Is San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA 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 San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($45,700) and others.

How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?

A local workforce of 500 indicates a moderate presence of this profession. While not a massive sector, it suggests a stable demand for skilled workers within the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area.

What does a Location Quotient of 0.72 mean for job seekers?

A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.72, means this profession is less common in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA, than the national average. This could mean less competition but potentially fewer job openings compared to more concentrated areas.

How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers relate to career opportunities?

With 0.328 jobs per 1,000 workers, this role represents a small but consistent part of the local employment landscape, suggesting steady, albeit not abundant, career opportunities.

Is the salary competitive considering the cost of living in San Diego?

Yes, the salary of $47,410 is slightly above the national average for this role, and with a Cost of Living Index of 100, it offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a reasonably competitive compensation package.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 500 employees in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area with a job density of 0.328 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.