In Wichita, KS, Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $43,590. This figure is slightly below the national average of $46,600, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and industry demand within the Wichita metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $43,590 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $67,240.
- Outlook: The local job market for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Wichita, KS, shows a notable concentration, with a total workforce of 320 individuals. The jobs per 1,000 workers metric of 1.03, combined with a Location Quotient of 2.27, suggests a robust demand for these specialized roles relative to the national average, pointing towards a stable and potentially growing job market in this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Wichita, KS earns-6.5%below the national average.
$21
$838
$3,633
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 a general upward trend in salaries for skilled manufacturing roles like Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic over the past four years. Economic factors, inflation, and evolving industry demands typically drive salary growth in such positions, reflecting increased value and expertise required in the field.
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Wichita, KS
Career progression for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Wichita, KS, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with specialized skills and years of experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $31,860 | $15.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $32,693 | $15.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $38,870 | $18.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $54,488 | $26.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $67,240 | $32.3 |
Detailed Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$43,590
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,590
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $43,590 in Wichita, KS, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Wichita is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the slightly lower average salary is balanced by the stable cost of living, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous for relocation from a cost perspective.
Job Market Context
320
Total Jobs
1.03
Per 1K Jobs
2.27
Location Quotient
Wichita, KS has 2.3x 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 2.27, Wichita, KS, exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic compared to the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially competitive market where these roles are more prevalent, suggesting that employers may have access to a skilled local talent pool, but also that experienced professionals may find ample opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary | $41,580↓ 5% | 67 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wichita, KS
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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 Wichita, KS?
The median annual salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Wichita, KS is $43,590. This typically ranges from $31,860 for entry-level positions to $67,240 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wichita, KS is 6.5% lower than the national median of $46,600.
Is Wichita, KS a lucrative place for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
No, but it offers balanced living costs.The average salary of $43,590 is below the national average, but the Cost of Living Index of 100 means your earnings have equivalent purchasing power nationally.
Is Wichita, KS 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 Wichita, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wichita, KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kansas nonmetropolitan area ($41,580) and others.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for this role in Wichita, KS, is $43,590, which is approximately $3,010 less than the national average of $46,600.
What is the concentration of this job in Wichita, KS?
Wichita, KS has a Location Quotient of 2.27, meaning the concentration of these jobs is more than double the national average, indicating a specialized local industry.
How does the Cost of Living affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Wichita's living expenses are at the national average, so the $43,590 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national median.
What does the total local workforce number signify?
A total local workforce of 320 for this role suggests a moderately sized but concentrated segment of the manufacturing industry within Wichita, KS.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the Wichita, KS area with a job density of 1.03 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 Wichita, KS