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Average Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA

In Cedar Rapids, IA, Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $45,410. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $43,940, indicating a localized demand that influences compensation. The specific economic landscape and industrial focus of Cedar Rapids contribute to this competitive pay.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $45,410 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,440.
  • Outlook: The job market for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Cedar Rapids appears robust, with a total local workforce of 220 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.57 signifies a concentration of these roles significantly above the national average, suggesting a strong and established presence of this industry within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$45,410

The average Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Cedar Rapids, IA earns+3.3%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$21.8

Weekly

$873

Monthly

$3,784

Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Cedar Rapids, IA

Career progression for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Cedar Rapids 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 extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting their expertise and value to employers.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$35,380$17
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$34,058$16.4
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$43,780$21
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$56,763$27.3
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$60,440$29.1

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

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$45,410

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$45,410

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $45,410 in Cedar Rapids, IA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing for residents without the added pressure of higher living expenses.

Job Market Context

220

Total Jobs

1.574

Per 1K Jobs

1.57

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Cedar Rapids, IA has 1.6x 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 1.57, Cedar Rapids demonstrates a notable concentration of Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic roles compared to the national average. This suggests a more competitive job market for employers seeking talent, while also indicating a potentially favorable environment for job seekers in this specialized field.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in Cedar Rapids, IA?

The median annual salary for a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Cedar Rapids, IA is $45,410. This typically ranges from $35,380 for entry-level positions to $60,440 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Cedar Rapids, IA is 3.3% higher than the national median of $43,940.

Is Cedar Rapids, IA a lucrative place for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?

Yes, Cedar Rapids offers a slightly above-average compensation for this role.The average salary of $45,410 in Cedar Rapids exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it a financially stable location.

Is Cedar Rapids, IA a good place to live for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?

The Cost of Living Index in Cedar Rapids, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Cedar Rapids, IA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Iowa City, IA ($43,030) and Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA.

How does the local workforce size affect job opportunities?

A local workforce of 220 suggests a dedicated segment of the labor market for these roles, potentially leading to more specialized opportunities and a stable demand for skilled workers.

What does a Location Quotient of 1.57 mean for this job title?

A Location Quotient of 1.57 indicates that this job title is 57% more concentrated in Cedar Rapids than the national average, signifying a strong industry presence and potentially higher demand for these specific skills.

How does the Cost of Living in Cedar Rapids compare nationally?

Cedar Rapids has a Cost of Living Index of 100, meaning it is exactly average compared to the rest of the United States, making the $45,410 salary hold its value effectively.

Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers for this role in Cedar Rapids?

With 1.574 jobs per 1,000 workers, this role represents a significant portion of the local employment landscape, further underscoring the concentration and demand within Cedar Rapids.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Cedar Rapids, IA area with a job density of 1.574 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.