SalaryNode

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

The average salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is $47,500. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market. Notably, Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 2.69x higher than average.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $47,500 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,550.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 170 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area economy.
BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$22.8

Weekly

$913

Monthly

$3,958

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

The earning potential for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $33,870, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $78,550.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$33,870$16.3
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$35,625$17.1
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$44,780$21.5
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$59,375$28.5
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$78,550$37.8

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

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$47,500

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$47,500

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $47,500 to $47,500.

Job Market Context

170

Total Jobs

1.225

Per 1K Jobs

2.69

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area has 2.7x 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.

170 people work as Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area.

1.225 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic positions — a typical concentration.

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 Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is $47,500. This typically ranges from $33,870 for entry-level positions to $78,550 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 1.9% higher than the national median of $46,600.

Is Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a good place for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?

Yes, Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is an excellent location for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics. It offers both higher-than-average salaries ($47,500) and a high concentration of job opportunities. See distinct detailed breakdown below.

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include State College, PA ($45,310) and Elmira, NY.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 170 employees in the Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.225 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.