Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in metal and plastic in Tennessee earn an average annual salary of $44,760. This figure is notably below the national average of $52,920, reflecting regional economic factors and industry demand specific to the state. The localized pay structure is a direct consequence of the unique economic landscape and the concentration of related manufacturing industries within Tennessee.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,760 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $54,080.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,280 individuals in this specialized role, Tennessee demonstrates a significant presence in the metal and plastic machining sector. The high Location Quotient of 4.38 indicates a substantial concentration of these jobs relative to the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for skilled operators within the state's manufacturing ecosystem.
Salary Overview
The average Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tennessee earns-15.4%below the national average.
$21.5
$861
$3,730
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the average salary for Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Tennessee has experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is likely driven by increased demand for manufactured goods and the ongoing need for skilled labor in the state's industrial base.
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Tennessee
Career progression for Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching into higher percentile brackets. These percentile gaps are indicative of the value placed on expertise and tenure within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $36,900 | $17.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $33,570 | $16.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $43,930 | $21.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $55,950 | $26.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $54,080 | $26 |
Detailed Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,760
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$49,513
Adjusted for COL (90.4)
The average annual salary of $44,760 in Tennessee for this role is complemented by a Cost of Living Index of 90.4, which is below the national average of 100. This means that the nominal salary earned by machine setters and operators in Tennessee holds greater purchasing power locally compared to the national average, making the effective take-home value of their earnings more substantial.
Job Market Context
1,280
Total Jobs
0.392
Per 1K Jobs
4.38
Location Quotient
Tennessee has 4.4x the national concentration of Milling and Planing Machine 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.
Tennessee's Location Quotient of 4.38 for Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders signifies a highly concentrated job market for this profession. A quotient significantly above 1.0 indicates that these roles are disproportionately represented in Tennessee compared to the rest of the nation, suggesting a strong industry presence and potentially high demand for qualified individuals in this specialized field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary | $47,110↑ 5% | 29 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tennessee
Hiring Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for a Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tennessee is $44,760. This typically ranges from $36,900 for entry-level positions to $54,080 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tennessee is 15.4% lower than the national median of $52,920.
Is Tennessee a lucrative place for Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, with a caveat regarding purchasing power.While the nominal salary is below the national average, Tennessee's lower cost of living means your earnings can provide a better standard of living. The high concentration of these jobs also indicates strong local demand.
Is Tennessee a good place to live for Milling and Planing Machine 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 ($47,110) and others.
How does Tennessee's cost of living affect machine operator salaries?
Tennessee's cost of living index of 90.4 means that $44,760 earned locally has more purchasing power than the national average salary of $52,920 in a higher cost-of-living area. This makes the effective value of the salary higher for residents.
What does a Location Quotient of 4.38 mean for this job in Tennessee?
A Location Quotient of 4.38 indicates that jobs for Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders are over four times more common in Tennessee than the national average. This suggests a strong, specialized industry presence and potentially high demand.
How many Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders work in Tennessee?
There are approximately 1,280 individuals employed as Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in metal and plastic within Tennessee.
Is the job market for these machine operators competitive in Tennessee?
Given the high Location Quotient, the market is concentrated, implying a strong demand for skilled workers. While this concentration can indicate competition for top talent, it also suggests abundant opportunities for qualified individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,280 employees in the Tennessee area with a job density of 0.392 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Tennessee