In Waterbury-Shelton, CT, Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $44,510. This figure is slightly below the national average of $46,600, suggesting localized market dynamics and potentially a different cost-benefit analysis for employers in this Connecticut region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,850.
- Outlook: The Waterbury-Shelton area demonstrates a significant concentration of these specialized roles, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 3.19, which is more than three times the national average. With a local workforce of 230 individuals in this occupation, the demand appears robust and more pronounced than in many other parts of the country, suggesting a stable job market for these skilled professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Waterbury-Shelton, CT earns-4.5%below the national average.
$21.4
$856
$3,709
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise role in Waterbury-Shelton 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 evolving industry standards likely contribute to a gradual increase in compensation for skilled machine tool operators.
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Waterbury-Shelton, CT
Salary progression for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive expertise and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution. These percentile gaps highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $33,850 | $16.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $33,383 | $16 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $40,130 | $19.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $55,638 | $26.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $59,850 | $28.8 |
Detailed Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,510
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $44,510 in Waterbury-Shelton, CT aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, indicating that while the salary may be slightly lower than the national average, the cost of living does not present a disadvantage for residents.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
1.449
Per 1K Jobs
3.19
Location Quotient
Waterbury-Shelton, CT has 3.2x 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.
A Location Quotient of 3.19 signifies a substantial concentration of Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in the Waterbury-Shelton area compared to the national average. This high concentration suggests a specialized local industry or a strong demand for these skills, making the job market potentially more competitive for new entrants but offering ample opportunities for experienced professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Waterbury-Shelton, CT
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in Waterbury-Shelton, CT?
The median annual salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Waterbury-Shelton, CT is $44,510. This typically ranges from $33,850 for entry-level positions to $59,850 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Waterbury-Shelton, CT is 4.5% lower than the national median of $46,600.
Is Waterbury-Shelton, CT a lucrative place for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, with a strong concentration of roles.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the significantly high Location Quotient indicates a robust local demand for these specialized skills. The cost of living being at the national average further supports the stability of this market.
Is Waterbury-Shelton, CT 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 Waterbury-Shelton, CT is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Waterbury-Shelton, CT?
Some top paying nearby cities include Connecticut nonmetropolitan area ($45,700) and New Haven, CT.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 230 suggests a moderately sized but dedicated pool of professionals in this field within Waterbury-Shelton, indicating a stable presence of these roles.
What does a Location Quotient of 3.19 mean for this job title?
A Location Quotient of 3.19 means that this occupation is over three times more concentrated in Waterbury-Shelton than the national average, pointing to a specialized local industry or high demand.
How does the cost of living in Waterbury-Shelton compare nationally?
The Cost of Living Index for Waterbury-Shelton is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning your salary's purchasing power is on par with the rest of the country.
What is the average number of these jobs per 1,000 workers in Waterbury-Shelton?
There are approximately 1.449 jobs per 1,000 workers for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Waterbury-Shelton, CT.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Waterbury-Shelton, CT area with a job density of 1.449 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 Waterbury-Shelton, CT