SalaryNode

Average Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand Salary in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI

In Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand earn an average annual salary of $43,320. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $41,390, indicating a localized demand that influences compensation. Factors such as regional economic activity and the specific needs of local industries likely contribute to this favorable pay.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $43,320 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.6% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $52,350.
  • Outlook: The Kalamazoo-Portage area supports a robust local workforce of 2,890 individuals in this occupation. With a Location Quotient of 1.25, this role is more concentrated here than the national average, suggesting a steady demand for these essential services and a stable job market for laborers.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$43,320

The average Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI earns+4.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20.8

Weekly

$833

Monthly

$3,610

Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand Salary Distribution in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI

Career progression for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand typically involves gaining experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or highly skilled individuals can command salaries significantly above the average, with percentile gaps clearly signifying these advancement opportunities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$34,160$16.4
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$32,490$15.6
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$43,870$21.1
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$54,150$26
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$52,350$25.2

Detailed Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$43,320

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$43,320

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $43,320 in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a laborer's salary in this region is comparable to the national standard, offering stability for those considering relocation.

Job Market Context

2,890

Total Jobs

24.16

Per 1K Jobs

1.25

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.25, Kalamazoo-Portage, MI has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.25 signifies that the Kalamazoo-Portage metropolitan area has a higher concentration of Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market, where demand is consistently present, offering good opportunities for employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hands?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand make in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?

The median annual salary for a Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is $43,320. This typically ranges from $34,160 for entry-level positions to $52,350 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 4.7% higher than the national median of $41,390.

Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI a lucrative place for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hands?

Yes, Kalamazoo-Portage, MI offers a slightly above-average salary for this role.The average annual salary of $43,320 exceeds the national average, and with a cost of living at the national benchmark, your earnings maintain strong purchasing power.

Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI a good place to live for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hands?

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 ($40,080) and Elkhart-Goshen, IN.

How does the local workforce size impact job availability?

A local workforce of 2,890 indicates a substantial presence of this occupation, suggesting a healthy demand and numerous opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals in Kalamazoo-Portage.

What does a Location Quotient of 1.25 mean for job seekers?

A Location Quotient of 1.25 means this occupation is more concentrated in Kalamazoo-Portage than the national average, indicating a stronger local demand and potentially more job openings relative to the national landscape.

How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $43,320 salary in Kalamazoo-Portage provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment.

Are there significant salary differences based on experience?

Yes, experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level positions typically paying less than senior roles. The percentile gaps in salary data reflect this progression, rewarding accumulated skills and expertise.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,890 employees in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI area with a job density of 24.16 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.