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Average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area

In the Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area, Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $42,160. This figure is notably below the national average of $46,600. The localized pay structure is influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within this nonmetropolitan setting.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $42,160 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,980.
  • Outlook: The job market for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Southern Indiana's nonmetropolitan area appears robust, with a total local workforce of 430 individuals. The high Location Quotient of 4.82 strongly indicates a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting consistent demand and a specialized local industry presence.
BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20.3

Weekly

$811

Monthly

$3,513

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area

Salary progression for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan areas typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may 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. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$31,160$15
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$31,620$15.2
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$39,400$18.9
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$52,700$25.3
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$49,980$24

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

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$42,160

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$42,160

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $42,160 in Southern Indiana's nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the take-home pay offers a similar lifestyle standard to that of the average American, without the added expense often associated with metropolitan areas.

Job Market Context

430

Total Jobs

2.194

Per 1K Jobs

4.82

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area has 4.8x 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.

The Location Quotient of 4.82 for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Southern Indiana's nonmetropolitan area signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that these roles are significantly more prevalent here than the national average, suggesting a specialized regional industry and potentially a competitive environment for both employers seeking talent and individuals seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

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 Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area is $42,160. This typically ranges from $31,160 for entry-level positions to $49,980 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area is 9.5% lower than the national median of $46,600.

Is Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?

No, it is not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $42,160 is below the national average of $46,600. However, the high concentration of these jobs suggests strong local demand.

Is Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area 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 Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN ($47,680) and Columbus, IN.

How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?

A local workforce of 430 suggests a moderately sized, specialized labor pool. While not massive, the high concentration (LQ of 4.82) implies these roles are a significant part of the local economy, potentially leading to stable employment opportunities.

What does a Location Quotient of 4.82 mean for this role?

A Location Quotient of 4.82 means that Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are nearly five times more concentrated in Southern Indiana's nonmetropolitan area than the national average. This indicates a strong regional specialization and demand for these skills.

How does the Cost of Living Index impact the $42,160 salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $42,160 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services is also average, making the effective value of the salary comparable.

What are the job opportunities like for this role in Southern Indiana?

Job opportunities are likely abundant relative to the size of the area due to the high concentration of these roles. The specialized nature of the industry in this region suggests a consistent need for skilled operators and tenders.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 430 employees in the Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.194 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.