In the Kansas nonmetropolitan area, Molders, Shapers, and Casters (Except Metal and Plastic) earn an average annual salary of $45,550. This figure is slightly below the national average of $46,700. The localized pay is influenced by the specific economic conditions and demand within these rural regions of Kansas, which may differ from broader national trends.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,550 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,990.
- Outlook: The job market for Molders, Shapers, and Casters in Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas appears stable, with a local workforce of 300 individuals. The concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 3.59, suggests a significantly higher presence of these roles compared to the national average, implying a consistent, albeit specialized, demand within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic in Kansas nonmetropolitan area earns-2.5%below the national average.
$21.9
$876
$3,796
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Molders, Shapers, and Casters in Kansas nonmetropolitan areas 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 the cost of living adjusts.
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Kansas nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Molders, Shapers, and Casters typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $39,020 | $18.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $34,163 | $16.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $45,910 | $22.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $56,938 | $27.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $57,990 | $27.9 |
Detailed Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,550
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,550
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $45,550 in the Kansas nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in this region is comparable to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain due to living expenses.
Job Market Context
300
Total Jobs
0.81
Per 1K Jobs
3.59
Location Quotient
Kansas nonmetropolitan area has 3.6x the national concentration of Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except 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 3.59, the Kansas nonmetropolitan area exhibits a strong concentration of Molders, Shapers, and Casters, far exceeding the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially robust local market for these professionals, suggesting that employers in this sector may actively seek out individuals with these specific skills.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Wichita, KS Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic Salary | $45,290↓ 1% | 67 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kansas nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastics?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic make in Kansas nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic in Kansas nonmetropolitan area is $45,550. This typically ranges from $39,020 for entry-level positions to $57,990 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kansas nonmetropolitan area is 2.5% lower than the national median of $46,700.
Is Kansas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastics?
Moderately. The salary is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average.While the average salary of $45,550 is slightly less than the national average, the cost of living index of 100 means your earnings will have comparable purchasing power. The high concentration of these roles (LQ of 3.59) suggests a stable local demand.
Is Kansas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Kansas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kansas nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Wichita, KS ($45,290) and others.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 300 indicates a moderately sized, specialized labor pool. While not a massive market, the high Location Quotient suggests these roles are integral to the local economy, potentially leading to consistent job availability for qualified individuals.
What does a Location Quotient of 3.59 mean?
A Location Quotient of 3.59 signifies that Molders, Shapers, and Casters are 3.59 times more concentrated in the Kansas nonmetropolitan area than in the nation as a whole. This points to a specialized industry presence and potentially higher demand for these specific skills locally.
How does the Cost of Living Index of 100 impact salary perception?
An index of 100 means the cost of living in the Kansas nonmetropolitan area is exactly average compared to the rest of the United States. Therefore, the $45,550 salary offers average purchasing power, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in real terms.
Are there many job openings for Molders, Shapers, and Casters in this region?
While the total workforce is 300, the high Location Quotient of 3.59 suggests a significant presence of these jobs relative to the national average. This implies a steady, albeit specialized, demand for skilled professionals in this field within the Kansas 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 300 employees in the Kansas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 0.81 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Kansas nonmetropolitan area