In California, Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $47,290. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $43,940, suggesting that the state's dynamic industrial landscape and potentially higher operational costs contribute to this elevated compensation. The robust manufacturing sector in California likely drives demand and supports these higher wage levels for skilled machine operators.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,290 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,000.
- Outlook: California's market for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic shows a moderate presence, with a total local workforce of 9,650. The Location Quotient of 0.53 indicates that this profession is less concentrated in California compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market. With 0.535 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand appears consistent, offering opportunities for skilled individuals within the state's industrial framework.
Salary Overview
The average Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California earns+7.6%above the national average.
$22.7
$909
$3,941
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting 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 salaries for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California have experienced growth over the past four years. Economic factors such as inflation, increased demand for manufactured goods, and evolving industry standards typically contribute to upward salary trends for skilled labor in competitive markets like California.
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in California
Career progression for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California typically correlates with increased earning potential. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum, while experienced operators with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The salary distribution reflects a clear career ladder, where demonstrated expertise and years of service are rewarded with greater compensation.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $36,050 | $17.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $35,468 | $17.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $45,380 | $21.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $59,113 | $28.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $61,000 | $29.3 |
Detailed Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,290
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,144
Adjusted for COL (138.5)
The average annual salary of $47,290 in California for this role must be considered alongside the state's Cost of Living Index of 138.5, which is substantially higher than the national average. While the nominal salary is above the national average, the increased cost of essential goods and services in California means that the purchasing power of this salary may be closer to, or even below, what a similar salary would provide in a lower cost-of-living area. Prospective workers should carefully evaluate their financial needs and lifestyle expectations.
Job Market Context
9,650
Total Jobs
0.535
Per 1K Jobs
0.53
Location Quotient
California has 0.53x the national average concentration of Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.53, the job market for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present, it is not a dominant industry sector within the state's overall employment landscape. This lower concentration implies a potentially less competitive environment for job seekers compared to regions with a higher LQ, though it also indicates fewer specialized roles might be available.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near California
Hiring Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in California?
The median annual salary for a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California is $47,290. This typically ranges from $36,050 for entry-level positions to $61,000 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in California is 7.6% higher than the national median of $43,940.
Is California a lucrative place for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, with caveats.California offers a higher average salary ($47,290) than the national average ($43,940), but this is offset by a significantly higher cost of living (138.5 index).
Is California a good place to live for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near California?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fresno, CA ($43,160) and Bakersfield-Delano, CA.
How does California's average salary compare to the national average for this role?
The average annual salary in California for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic is $47,290, which is $3,350 higher than the national average of $43,940.
What is the concentration of this job in California compared to the rest of the US?
California has a Location Quotient of 0.53 for this profession, meaning it is less concentrated in the state than the national average, which is represented by a quotient of 1.0.
How many of these jobs are there per 1,000 workers in California?
There are approximately 0.535 jobs per 1,000 workers in California for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic.
Is the high cost of living in California a significant factor for this salary?
Yes, the Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5, significantly above the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is higher, the actual purchasing power may be diminished due to increased expenses for housing, goods, and services.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,650 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.535 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California