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Average Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers Salary in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI

In Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers earn an average annual salary of $48,000. This figure is slightly below the national average of $51,560, suggesting localized economic factors and industry demand play a significant role in compensation within this Michigan region. The specific needs and economic landscape of Kalamazoo-Portage directly influence the earning potential for these essential roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $48,000 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $64,350.
  • Outlook: The Kalamazoo-Portage area supports a local workforce of 1,010 individuals in the Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers sector. With a robust Location Quotient of 2.2, this indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This high concentration points to a strong and established demand for these professionals within the local economy, suggesting a stable job market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$48,000

The average Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI earns-6.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$23.1

Weekly

$923

Monthly

$4,000

Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers Salary Distribution in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI

Career progression for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers in Kalamazoo-Portage typically involves salary increases tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles, requiring extensive expertise and responsibility, command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this clear career ladder, rewarding seasoned professionals with greater compensation.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$34,880$16.8
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$36,000$17.3
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$47,520$22.8
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$60,000$28.8
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$64,350$30.9

Detailed Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$48,000

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$48,000

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average salary of $48,000 in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is directly comparable to the national standard, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability for residents.

Job Market Context

1,010

Total Jobs

8.445

Per 1K Jobs

2.2

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Kalamazoo-Portage, MI has 2.2x the national concentration of Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers 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 2.2 for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers in Kalamazoo-Portage signifies that this occupation is more than twice as concentrated in this area compared to the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially competitive job market where local employers have a higher reliance on this specific skill set, potentially leading to more job opportunities but also a need for specialized talent.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weigherss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers make in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?

The median annual salary for a Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is $48,000. This typically ranges from $34,880 for entry-level positions to $64,350 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 6.9% lower than the national median of $51,560.

Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI a lucrative place for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers?

No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the concentration of these jobs is high, the average salary of $48,000 is below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering no distinct financial advantage.

Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI a good place to live for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers?

The Cost of Living Index in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?

Some top paying nearby cities include Battle Creek, MI ($50,370) and Elkhart-Goshen, IN.

How does the local job market compare to the national average for this role?

The Kalamazoo-Portage area has a significantly higher concentration of Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers, indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.2, suggesting a stronger local demand relative to the national landscape.

What is the impact of the Cost of Living on the salary in Kalamazoo-Portage?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $48,000 average salary in Kalamazoo-Portage has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, meaning it is neither particularly high nor low in terms of affordability.

How many Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers work in Kalamazoo-Portage?

There are approximately 1,010 individuals employed in these roles within the Kalamazoo-Portage metropolitan area.

Does experience significantly impact salary for this role in Kalamazoo-Portage?

Yes, as with most professions, experience is a key driver of salary increases. Senior Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers typically earn more than those in entry-level positions, reflecting a progression in skills and responsibilities.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,010 employees in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI area with a job density of 8.445 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.