In Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $47,950. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $43,940, indicating a localized premium for these skilled roles. Factors such as regional industry demand and the specific manufacturing landscape in Iowa likely contribute to this higher compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,950 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 52.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,760.
- Outlook: The job market for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Des Moines-West Des Moines presents a stable outlook. With a total local workforce of 300 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.73, the concentration is slightly below the national average. However, the presence of a dedicated workforce suggests consistent, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand within the region's manufacturing sector.
Salary Overview
The average Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns+9.1%above the national average.
$23.1
$922
$3,996
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Des Moines-West Des Moines have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors, inflation, and evolving industry demands typically drive incremental increases in compensation for skilled labor in manufacturing roles.
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Career progression for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Des Moines-West Des Moines typically involves a salary scale that increases with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay spectrum, while senior operators with extensive knowledge of complex machinery and quality control can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting their expertise and value to employers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $33,750 | $16.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $35,963 | $17.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $50,580 | $24.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $59,938 | $28.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $58,760 | $28.3 |
Detailed Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,950
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$47,950
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $47,950 in Des Moines-West Des Moines aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is equivalent to the national standard, allowing individuals to maintain a comparable lifestyle without the financial strain often associated with higher-cost metropolitan areas.
Job Market Context
300
Total Jobs
0.729
Per 1K Jobs
0.73
Location Quotient
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 0.73x 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 0.73, the Des Moines-West Des Moines area shows a slightly lower concentration of Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and valued, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $47,950. This typically ranges from $33,750 for entry-level positions to $58,760 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 9.1% higher than the national median of $43,940.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation.The average salary of $47,950 exceeds the national average, and with a cost of living at the national average, your earnings have strong purchasing power.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, 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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area ($44,260) and Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Des Moines salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines for this role is $47,950, which is higher than the national average of $43,940.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
The cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines is exactly at the national average, indicated by an index of 100.
How concentrated is this job role in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.73, meaning it's slightly less concentrated than the national average.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.73 signify?
A Location Quotient of 0.73 indicates that this profession is present in Des Moines-West Des Moines but not as heavily concentrated as it is nationally.
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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 0.729 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- All Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- Management Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- Browse All Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA