Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders in California earn an average annual salary of $51,980. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $50,190, indicating a potentially stronger demand or higher operational costs within the state. California's robust manufacturing sector and specialized industrial needs likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $51,980 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $72,680.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,330 individuals in this specialized role, California demonstrates a significant concentration of these skilled professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.05 suggests that this occupation is slightly more prevalent in California than the national average, pointing to a stable and potentially growing job market for lathe and turning machine tool operators within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California earns+3.6%above the national average.
$25
$1,000
$4,332
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders in California have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is generally consistent with the broader economic landscape, where skilled manufacturing roles often see incremental salary increases driven by inflation, demand, and evolving industry standards.
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in California
Career progression for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might 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.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,350 | $18.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $38,985 | $18.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $47,660 | $22.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $64,975 | $31.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $72,680 | $34.9 |
Detailed Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$51,980
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,531
Adjusted for COL (138.5)
The average annual salary of $51,980 in California must be considered alongside its high Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that while the nominal salary is above the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is diminished due to the significantly higher cost of goods and services in the state, particularly in major metropolitan areas.
Job Market Context
2,330
Total Jobs
0.129
Per 1K Jobs
1.05
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.05, California has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.05 indicates that Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders are employed in California at a rate slightly higher than the national average. This suggests a healthy, albeit not overwhelmingly concentrated, job market for these professionals, implying a competitive environment where skilled individuals are in steady demand.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in California?
The median annual salary for a Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California is $51,980. This typically ranges from $38,350 for entry-level positions to $72,680 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in California is 3.6% higher than the national median of $50,190.
Is California a lucrative place for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, with caveats.California offers a slightly higher average salary than the national average for this role. However, the high cost of living significantly impacts the real value of this income.
Is California a good place to live for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool 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 California's average salary compare to the national average for this role?
The average annual salary in California for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders is $51,980, which is slightly higher than the national average of $50,190.
What is the concentration of Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders in California?
California has a Location Quotient of 1.05 for this occupation, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in California?
With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, California is significantly more expensive than the national average, meaning the $51,980 salary may not stretch as far as it would in lower-cost areas.
What is the total number of Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders in California?
There are approximately 2,330 individuals employed as Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders in California.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,330 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.129 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California