In the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area, Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic professionals earn an average annual salary of $54,330. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $46,600, indicating a premium for these specialized roles within the region. The higher local compensation is likely driven by a combination of factors, including the area's robust industrial base and demand for skilled manufacturing labor.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,330 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 37.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $70,410.
- Outlook: The local job market for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, appears robust. With a total local workforce of 1,250 individuals in this occupation, and a Location Quotient of 1.32, the concentration of these roles is notably higher than the national average. This suggests a strong and potentially growing demand for these skilled positions within the region's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+16.6%above the national average.
$26.1
$1,045
$4,528
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche occupation in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a positive salary trend over the past four years, mirroring broader economic growth and increasing demand for skilled manufacturing labor nationally. As industries evolve and technological advancements necessitate specialized machine operation, salaries for these roles have likely seen consistent, incremental growth, reflecting both inflation and the increasing value of experienced operators.
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Salary progression for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with years of specialized experience and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression, with senior operators often earning well above the average, reflecting their expertise and contribution to production quality.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $39,830 | $19.1 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $40,748 | $19.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $49,470 | $23.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $67,913 | $32.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $70,410 | $33.9 |
Detailed Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,330
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,330
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $54,330 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the gross income is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively on par with the national average. Therefore, individuals relocating to this area should expect their earnings to cover living expenses at a rate comparable to the rest of the country, without a significant advantage or disadvantage in real terms.
Job Market Context
1,250
Total Jobs
0.602
Per 1K Jobs
1.32
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.32, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.32 for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, indicates a market concentration that is 32% higher than the national average. This suggests that the demand for these specific skills is relatively strong within the region compared to other occupations. While not indicating an extreme shortage, it points to a healthy job market where these professionals are more sought after than in many other parts of the country.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
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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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $54,330. This typically ranges from $39,830 for entry-level positions to $70,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 16.6% higher than the national median of $46,600.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.The average salary of $54,330 is notably higher than the national average of $46,600, and the concentration of these jobs (LQ 1.32) suggests strong local demand.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA 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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Western Washington nonmetropolitan area ($42,880) and Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, is $54,330, which is $7,730 higher than the national average of $46,600.
What is the Cost of Living in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The Cost of Living Index for Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated are these jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The Location Quotient is 1.32, meaning these jobs are 32% more concentrated in this area than the national average, indicating higher demand relative to other occupations.
What is the total number of these jobs in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area?
There are approximately 1,250 individuals employed in these roles within the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,250 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 0.602 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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA