Average Machinists Salary in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Machinists in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $51,330. This figure is notably below the national average of $57,000, suggesting that regional economic factors and industry demand play a significant role in compensation within this specific locale. The lower average salary can often be attributed to a variety of local economic conditions, including the cost of doing business and the overall demand for specialized manufacturing skills.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $51,330 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $69,430.
- Outlook: The West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area supports a robust workforce of 760 Machinists, indicating a substantial presence of this skilled trade. With a Location Quotient of 3.01, Machinists are significantly more concentrated here than the national average, pointing to a strong and established demand for their expertise within the region's industrial landscape. The rate of 5.834 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the consistent need for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Machinists in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-9.9%below the national average.
$24.7
$987
$4,278
Machinists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area's Machinist salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that compensation for skilled trades like machining has seen incremental growth. This trend is often driven by inflation, increasing demand for precision manufacturing, and the ongoing need to attract and retain skilled labor in a competitive market.
Machinists Salary Distribution in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Machinists typically correlates with experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior Machinists with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in complex machinery command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression opportunities, rewarding those who invest in developing their craft and taking on more responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $36,700 | $17.6 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $38,498 | $18.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $47,660 | $22.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $64,163 | $30.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $69,430 | $33.4 |
Detailed Machinists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$51,330
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$51,330
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average Machinist salary of $51,330 in West Kentucky aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Machinist's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
760
Total Jobs
5.834
Per 1K Jobs
3.01
Location Quotient
West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 3.0x 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.
A Location Quotient of 3.01 for Machinists in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that the demand for Machinists is more than three times the national average relative to the overall workforce, suggesting a specialized and potentially competitive environment for these skilled professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Machinists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Machinists Salary | $57,310↑ 12% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Machinists Salary | $54,270↑ 6% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Machinists Salary | $57,980↑ 13% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Machinists Salary | $57,050↑ 11% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Machinists make in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Machinists in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $51,330. This typically ranges from $36,700 for entry-level positions to $69,430 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 9.9% lower than the national median of $57,000.
Is West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Machinists?
No, but it offers stability.While the average salary of $51,330 is below the national average, the strong concentration of Machinists (LQ 3.01) and a cost of living at the national average suggest a stable, albeit not exceptionally high-paying, job market.
Is West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Machinists?
The Cost of Living Index in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($57,310) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the Machinist salary in West Kentucky compare to the national average?
The average Machinist salary in West Kentucky is $51,330, which is lower than the national average of $57,000.
What does the Location Quotient (LQ) of 3.01 mean for Machinists in West Kentucky?
An LQ of 3.01 indicates that Machinists are significantly more concentrated in West Kentucky than the national average, suggesting a strong regional demand for this profession.
Is the cost of living high for Machinists in West Kentucky?
No, the Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average, meaning the purchasing power of the salary is standard.
How many Machinists are employed in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
There are approximately 760 Machinists employed in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 760 employees in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.834 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 West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area