Average Machinists Salary in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
Machinists in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, earn an average annual salary of $52,830. This figure is notably below the national average of $57,000, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially regional economic factors influence compensation for this skilled trade in the area. While the national average sets a benchmark, localized demand and the specific industrial landscape of Kalamazoo-Portage play a crucial role in determining actual pay rates.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $52,830 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $65,660.
- Outlook: The Kalamazoo-Portage area demonstrates a robust job market for Machinists, with a total local workforce of 530 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.27 indicates a significantly higher concentration of Machinists compared to the national average, signaling strong and sustained demand for these professionals within the region's industrial base.
Salary Overview
The average Machinists in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI earns-7.3%below the national average.
$25.4
$1,016
$4,403
Machinists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that the demand for skilled trades like Machinists has seen consistent growth over the past four years, driven by manufacturing needs and technological advancements. This trend likely translates to a steady or increasing average salary for Machinists in Kalamazoo-Portage, mirroring broader economic recovery and industrial expansion.
Machinists Salary Distribution in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
The career trajectory for Machinists in Kalamazoo-Portage typically involves significant salary growth with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as Machinists gain proficiency, develop specialized skills, and take on more complex projects, their earning potential increases substantially, with senior roles commanding higher salaries and reflecting greater responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,240 | $18.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $39,623 | $19 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $52,190 | $25.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $66,038 | $31.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $65,660 | $31.6 |
Detailed Machinists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$52,830
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$52,830
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $52,830 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), Machinists in Kalamazoo-Portage experience a salary that aligns directly with the national cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of their income is comparable to the average across the United States, offering a stable financial standing relative to national economic conditions.
Job Market Context
530
Total Jobs
4.406
Per 1K Jobs
2.27
Location Quotient
Kalamazoo-Portage, MI has 2.3x the national concentration of Machinists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 2.27 for Machinists in Kalamazoo-Portage signifies a highly concentrated job market, more than double the national average. This suggests that the region is a significant hub for this profession, offering abundant opportunities but also potentially indicating a competitive environment for new entrants seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Machinists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Battle Creek, MI Machinists Salary | $51,220↓ 3% | 18 mi |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN Machinists Salary | $50,380↓ 5% | 45 mi |
| Niles, MI Machinists Salary | $50,140↓ 5% | 45 mi |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI Machinists Salary | $53,360↑ 1% | 48 mi |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI Machinists Salary | $50,910↓ 4% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
Hiring Machinistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Machinists make in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
The median annual salary for a Machinists in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is $52,830. This typically ranges from $38,240 for entry-level positions to $65,660 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 7.3% lower than the national median of $57,000.
Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI a lucrative place for Machinists?
No, not when compared to the national average salary.While the local cost of living is average, the Machinist salary of $52,830 is below the national average of $57,000. However, the high concentration of jobs suggests strong local demand.
Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI a good place to live for Machinists?
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 ($51,220) and Elkhart-Goshen, IN.
How does the number of Machinists in Kalamazoo-Portage compare nationally?
With 4.406 jobs per 1,000 workers, the rate of Machinists in Kalamazoo-Portage is significantly higher than the national average, indicating a strong local presence.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.27 mean for Machinists?
A Location Quotient of 2.27 means that Machinists are more than twice as concentrated in Kalamazoo-Portage compared to the national average, pointing to a specialized and robust local industry for this role.
How does the cost of living affect a Machinist's salary in Kalamazoo-Portage?
The cost of living in Kalamazoo-Portage is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $52,830 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary would in a national-average cost of living area.
Are there many Machinist jobs in Kalamazoo-Portage?
Yes, the high Location Quotient of 2.27 and 530 local workers indicate a substantial and concentrated job market for Machinists in the Kalamazoo-Portage area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 530 employees in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI area with a job density of 4.406 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Machinists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI