SalaryNode

Average Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ

In the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ area, Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $46,830. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $43,940. The higher local compensation is likely influenced by the region's specific industrial demands and the concentration of related manufacturing activities.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $46,830 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,940.
  • Outlook: The local job market for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ appears robust, with a total local workforce of 710 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 1.9 indicates a significant concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand within the region's industrial landscape.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$46,830

The average Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ earns+6.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$22.5

Weekly

$901

Monthly

$3,903

Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ

Career progression for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with specialized skills and years of experience can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting their expertise and value to employers. The percentile gaps in salary data would clearly signify these career advancement opportunities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$36,070$17.3
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$35,123$16.9
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$48,970$23.5
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$58,538$28.1
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$58,940$28.3

Detailed Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$46,830

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$46,830

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $46,830 in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the higher nominal wage effectively translates to a comparable standard of living when compared to other regions across the United States.

Job Market Context

710

Total Jobs

1.912

Per 1K Jobs

1.9

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ has 1.9x the national concentration of Molding, Coremaking, and Casting 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.

With a Location Quotient of 1.9, the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ metropolitan area exhibits a job market that is nearly twice as concentrated in Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic compared to the national average. This high concentration suggests a specialized and potentially competitive market where employers actively seek skilled labor in this specific manufacturing niche.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?

The median annual salary for a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is $46,830. This typically ranges from $36,070 for entry-level positions to $58,940 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is 6.6% higher than the national median of $43,940.

Is Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ a lucrative place for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?

Yes, it offers above-average compensation.The average salary of $46,830 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating good earning potential.

Is Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ a good place to live for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?

The Cost of Living Index in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?

Some top paying nearby cities include Reading, PA ($51,880) and Trenton-Princeton, NJ.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is $46,830, which is higher than the national average of $43,940.

What is the concentration of these jobs in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?

The Location Quotient is 1.9, meaning the concentration of these jobs is 90% higher than the national average, indicating a strong local presence.

How does the cost of living affect the salary?

The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $46,830 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.

What is the total number of these jobs in the local area?

There are approximately 710 Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic employed in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 710 employees in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ area with a job density of 1.912 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.