In St. Louis, MO-IL, Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic professionals earn an average annual salary of $55,490. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $46,600, indicating a localized demand that drives higher compensation. The concentration of this specialized manufacturing sector within the St. Louis region is a key factor contributing to this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $55,490 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 39.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $62,010.
- Outlook: The St. Louis, MO-IL metropolitan area demonstrates a robust job market for Metal Polishers, with a total local workforce of 1,100 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 1.8 suggests a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, signaling strong and sustained demand for skilled professionals in this sector within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in St. Louis, MO-IL earns+19.1%above the national average.
$26.7
$1,067
$4,624
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in St. Louis have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in manufacturing and skilled trades. This upward trajectory is likely driven by inflation, increased demand for manufactured goods, and the need to attract and retain qualified talent in a competitive labor market.
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in St. Louis, MO-IL
Salary progression for Metal Polishers in St. Louis, MO-IL typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings, from the 25th to the 75th percentile and beyond, clearly signify career advancement opportunities and the value placed on expertise within this trade.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,830 | $18.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $41,618 | $20 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $58,920 | $28.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $69,363 | $33.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $62,010 | $29.8 |
Detailed Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$55,490
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$55,490
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $55,490 in St. Louis, MO-IL aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Metal Polisher's salary in St. Louis is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,100
Total Jobs
0.819
Per 1K Jobs
1.8
Location Quotient
St. Louis, MO-IL has 1.8x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 1.8, St. Louis, MO-IL presents a market where Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are notably more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially competitive environment where employers may actively seek out talent, and professionals in this field are likely to find ample opportunities within the region.
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 St. Louis, MO-IL?
The median annual salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in St. Louis, MO-IL is $55,490. This typically ranges from $38,830 for entry-level positions to $62,010 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in St. Louis, MO-IL is 19.1% higher than the national median of $46,600.
Is St. Louis, MO-IL a lucrative place for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, St. Louis, MO-IL offers a lucrative environment for these professionals.The average salary of $55,490 is substantially higher than the national average, and the cost of living remains at the national benchmark, providing strong purchasing power.
Is St. Louis, MO-IL 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 St. Louis, MO-IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the St. Louis salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Metal Polishers in St. Louis, MO-IL is $55,490, which is approximately $8,890 higher than the national average of $46,600.
What is the concentration of Metal Polishers in St. Louis?
St. Louis has a Location Quotient of 1.8 for this occupation, meaning the concentration of these jobs is 80% higher than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in St. Louis?
The cost of living in St. Louis is at the national average (100), so the higher nominal salary translates directly to equivalent purchasing power compared to the national average.
What does the workforce size suggest about job availability?
With a local workforce of 1,100, and a high location quotient, there is a significant presence and likely consistent demand for Metal Polishers in the St. Louis area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,100 employees in the St. Louis, MO-IL area with a job density of 0.819 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salaries by State
Top Jobs in St. Louis, MO-IL
- All Occupations Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL
- Management Occupations Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL
- Production Occupations Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL
- Browse All Jobs in St. Louis, MO-IL →
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 St. Louis, MO-IL