The average salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in State College, PA is $45,310. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,310 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,450.
- 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 40 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader State College, PA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in State College, PA earns-2.8%below the national average.
$21.8
$871
$3,776
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 3 years, Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salaries in State College, PA have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 30.2%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in State College, PA
The earning potential for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics in State College, PA 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 $35,690, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $49,450.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $35,690 | $17.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $33,983 | $16.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $45,830 | $22 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $56,638 | $27.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $49,450 | $23.8 |
Detailed Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,310
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,310
Adjusted for COL (100)
In State College, PA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $45,310 to $45,310.
Job Market Context
40
Total Jobs
0.516
Per 1K Jobs
1.14
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.14, State College, PA 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.
40 people work as Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in State College, PA.
Only 0.516 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near State College, PA
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 State College, PA?
The median annual salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in State College, PA is $45,310. This typically ranges from $35,690 for entry-level positions to $49,450 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in State College, PA is 2.8% lower than the national median of $46,600.
Is State College, PA a good place for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary in State College, PA is $45,310 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of State College, PA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is State College, PA 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 State College, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near State College, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area ($45,520) and Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 40 employees in the State College, PA area with a job density of 0.516 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 State College, PA