In Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA, Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $48,650. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $46,600, indicating a localized premium for these skilled roles. The higher pay in this region can often be attributed to a combination of local industry demands and the specific economic landscape of the Spokane-Spokane Valley area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $48,650 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,450.
- Outlook: The job market for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA, appears robust. With a total local workforce of 290 individuals in this specific role, and a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 1.154, the demand is present. The significant Location Quotient of 2.54 strongly suggests that this profession is more concentrated in Spokane-Spokane Valley than the national average, pointing to a healthy and potentially growing demand for these skilled workers.
Salary Overview
The average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA earns+4.4%above the national average.
$23.4
$936
$4,054
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 role in Spokane-Spokane Valley is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national economic patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for manufactured goods, and the evolving skill requirements for machine operation typically drive salary growth in specialized manufacturing roles. This suggests that professionals in this field have likely seen their earning potential increase over time.
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA
Salary progression for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA, is strongly tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized expertise and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, with senior operators often earning substantially more than their less experienced counterparts.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,700 | $18.6 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $36,488 | $17.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $45,170 | $21.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $60,813 | $29.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $59,450 | $28.6 |
Detailed Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$48,650
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,650
Adjusted for COL (100)
For individuals considering a move to Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA, the nominal average salary of $48,650 aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Spokane-Spokane Valley is comparable to the national average. Therefore, the $48,650 salary offers a standard of living equivalent to what one might expect nationally, without the added financial pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
290
Total Jobs
1.154
Per 1K Jobs
2.54
Location Quotient
Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA has 2.5x 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 (LQ) of 2.54 for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA, indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. An LQ above 1.0 signifies that the area has a disproportionately large number of these workers relative to its overall workforce size. This suggests a specialized local industry presence and potentially a more competitive job market for employers seeking these skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA
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 Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA?
The median annual salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA is $48,650. This typically ranges from $38,700 for entry-level positions to $59,450 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA is 4.4% higher than the national median of $46,600.
Is Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA 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 comparable cost of living.The average salary of $48,650 is higher than the national average, and the Cost of Living Index of 100 means your earnings will have equivalent purchasing power.
Is Spokane-Spokane Valley, 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 Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Coeur d'Alene, ID ($42,540) and Lewiston, ID-WA.
How does the Spokane-Spokane Valley salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary of $48,650 in Spokane-Spokane Valley is approximately $2,050 higher than the national average of $46,600.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.54 mean for this job role?
A Location Quotient of 2.54 indicates that Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are more than twice as concentrated in Spokane-Spokane Valley compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand.
How does the Cost of Living in Spokane-Spokane Valley affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $48,650 salary in Spokane-Spokane Valley provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning your money goes as far as it would elsewhere in the country.
What is the total number of these machine operators in Spokane-Spokane Valley?
There are approximately 290 Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic employed in the Spokane-Spokane Valley area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA area with a job density of 1.154 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 Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA