In Tennessee, Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic professionals earn an average annual salary of $44,720. This figure is notably below the national average of $50,190, a difference often attributed to regional economic factors and the specific demands of the manufacturing sector within the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $50,220.
- Outlook: Tennessee's manufacturing landscape supports a dedicated workforce of 1,060 individuals in this specialized role. The Location Quotient of 2.62 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs in Tennessee compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and established presence within the state's industrial framework.
Salary Overview
The average Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tennessee earns-10.9%below the national average.
$21.5
$860
$3,727
Lathe and Turning 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 that salaries for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Tennessee have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typical for skilled trades as demand fluctuates and experience becomes more valued.
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Tennessee
Career progression for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Tennessee typically involves a salary increase with accumulated experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive expertise and specialized skills can command salaries significantly higher than the average, reflecting the value of their proficiency.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $32,080 | $15.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $33,540 | $16.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $46,400 | $22.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $55,900 | $26.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $50,220 | $24.1 |
Detailed Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$49,469
Adjusted for COL (90.4)
The average annual salary of $44,720 in Tennessee presents a favorable financial outlook when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 90.4. This index, which is below the national average of 100, suggests that the nominal salary offers a comparatively higher purchasing power for residents in Tennessee.
Job Market Context
1,060
Total Jobs
0.323
Per 1K Jobs
2.62
Location Quotient
Tennessee has 2.6x the national concentration of Lathe and Turning 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 2.62, Tennessee demonstrates a strong concentration of Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic roles. This indicates a market where these skills are in higher demand relative to the national average, potentially offering more job opportunities and a more specialized industrial ecosystem for professionals in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary | $49,860↑ 11% | 29 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tennessee
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 Tennessee?
The median annual salary for a Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tennessee is $44,720. This typically ranges from $32,080 for entry-level positions to $50,220 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tennessee is 10.9% lower than the national median of $50,190.
Is Tennessee a lucrative place for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, with a caveat regarding the national average.While the average salary is below the national average, Tennessee's lower cost of living and high concentration of these jobs (LQ 2.62) suggest good local opportunities and purchasing power.
Is Tennessee a good place to live for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
With a Cost of Living Index of 90.4 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tennessee?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($49,860) and others.
How does Tennessee's average salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tennessee is $44,720, which is lower than the national average of $50,190.
What is the concentration of these jobs in Tennessee?
Tennessee has a Location Quotient of 2.62 for this role, meaning the jobs are more than twice as concentrated in Tennessee as they are nationally.
How does the cost of living in Tennessee affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 90.4, Tennessee is more affordable than the national average (100), making the $44,720 salary potentially go further for residents.
What does the total local workforce number indicate?
The total local workforce of 1,060 indicates a significant, established community of professionals in this specific trade within Tennessee.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,060 employees in the Tennessee area with a job density of 0.323 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 Tennessee