In the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area, Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic professionals earn an average annual salary of $44,640. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $43,940, indicating a robust local demand for these specialized manufacturing roles. The higher average pay is likely influenced by the region's industrial base and the specific skill sets required for these positions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,640 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,290.
- Outlook: The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area boasts a substantial workforce of 10,170 individuals employed in molding, coremaking, and casting machine operations. With a Location Quotient of 2.26, this sector is significantly more concentrated in this region than the national average, suggesting a strong and established presence of these industries. This high concentration points to a healthy job market with consistent demand for skilled labor.
Salary Overview
The average Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earns+1.6%above the national average.
$21.5
$858
$3,720
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 the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area have experienced growth over the past four years. Economic factors, inflation, and evolving industry demands typically drive upward salary trends in specialized manufacturing roles, reflecting increased value and skill requirements.
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Career progression for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles. As experience and expertise increase, professionals can expect to see their salaries rise, with significant percentile gaps reflecting the value of advanced skills and responsibilities. Senior operators often command higher wages due to their proficiency, problem-solving capabilities, and ability to oversee complex processes.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $34,170 | $16.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $33,480 | $16.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $41,900 | $20.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $55,800 | $26.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $61,290 | $29.5 |
Detailed Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,640
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,640
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $44,640 in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the national standard, making relocation financially neutral from a cost-of-living perspective. While the nominal salary is slightly above the national average, the cost of living does not present a significant advantage or disadvantage for those considering a move.
Job Market Context
10,170
Total Jobs
2.274
Per 1K Jobs
2.26
Location Quotient
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN has 2.3x 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.
A Location Quotient of 2.26 for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that these roles are more prevalent in this region compared to the rest of the United States, suggesting a competitive environment with abundant opportunities for skilled professionals in this sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median annual salary for a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $44,640. This typically ranges from $34,170 for entry-level positions to $61,290 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 1.6% higher than the national median of $43,940.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a lucrative place for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, with a slight edge over the national average.The average salary of $44,640 is higher than the national average, and the high concentration of these jobs (LQ of 2.26) indicates strong local demand.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a good place to live for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Michigan City-La Porte, IN ($40,660) and Kenosha, WI.
How does the Chicago salary compare to the national average?
The average salary of $44,640 in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is slightly higher than the national average of $43,940 for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in Chicago?
An LQ of 2.26 means that jobs for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are more than twice as common in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area compared to the national average, indicating a strong industry presence.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Chicago?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area has a cost of living that is exactly at the national average. Therefore, the $44,640 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of workers in this field in the Chicago area?
There are approximately 10,170 individuals employed as Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 10,170 employees in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area with a job density of 2.274 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 Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN