In California, Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $52,420. This figure surpasses the national average of $48,950, indicating a premium for these roles within the state. The higher compensation is likely influenced by California's robust industrial sector and its generally higher cost of living, necessitating greater pay to attract and retain skilled labor.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $52,420 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $66,280.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 800 individuals in this specialized field, California demonstrates a notable presence. The Location Quotient of 0.47 suggests that while the concentration of these roles is below the national average, the absolute number of workers indicates a stable, albeit not hyper-concentrated, demand within the state's manufacturing and metalworking industries.
Salary Overview
The average Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California earns+7.1%above the national average.
$25.2
$1,008
$4,368
Heat Treating Equipment 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 Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders in California have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for specialized manufacturing skills, and the general economic expansion within the state's diverse industrial landscape.
Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in California
Career progression for Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders in California typically involves a salary scale that increases with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive knowledge of various heat treatment processes and equipment can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting their expertise and value to employers. The percentile gaps in salary data would signify these distinct levels of career advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $40,030 | $19.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $39,315 | $18.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $48,280 | $23.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $65,525 | $31.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $66,280 | $31.9 |
Detailed Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$52,420
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,848
Adjusted for COL (138.5)
The average annual salary of $52,420 in California must be considered against its Cost of Living Index of 138.5, which is substantially higher than the national average of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is higher, the purchasing power of that income is reduced due to the elevated costs of housing, goods, and services in the state. Prospective workers should carefully evaluate their financial needs and lifestyle expectations in light of these regional economic factors.
Job Market Context
800
Total Jobs
0.045
Per 1K Jobs
0.47
Location Quotient
At 0.47x, California has a notably lower concentration of Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
A Location Quotient of 0.47 indicates that Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders are less concentrated in California compared to the national average. This suggests that while the state has a significant number of these jobs (800 total workforce), the field is not as densely populated with professionals as it is in other parts of the country. This could imply a potentially less competitive market for employers seeking talent, or conversely, a market where specialized skills might be in higher demand relative to the available workforce.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in California?
The median annual salary for a Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California is $52,420. This typically ranges from $40,030 for entry-level positions to $66,280 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in California is 7.1% higher than the national median of $48,950.
Is California a lucrative place for Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, with caveats.California offers a higher average salary ($52,420) than the national average ($48,950), but this is offset by a significantly higher cost of living (138.5 index).
Is California a good place to live for Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the California salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders in California is $52,420, which is approximately $3,470 higher than the national average of $48,950.
What is the concentration of this job in California?
The Location Quotient for this role in California is 0.47, meaning the concentration of these jobs is less than half of the national average.
How many Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders are there in California?
There are approximately 800 individuals employed as Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California.
Is the cost of living high in California for this profession?
Yes, California has a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, significantly above the national average of 100, impacting the real value of the $52,420 salary.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 800 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.045 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California