In Elkhart-Goshen, IN, Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $40,320. This figure is slightly below the national average of $43,940, a difference often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific industrial landscape of the area. The concentration of these roles within Elkhart-Goshen plays a significant part in local compensation trends.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,320 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $51,150.
- Outlook: The Elkhart-Goshen area demonstrates a robust demand for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 680 individuals in this role. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 5.28 indicates that this profession is significantly more concentrated here than the national average, suggesting a strong and established industry presence that supports consistent employment opportunities.
Salary Overview
The average Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Elkhart-Goshen, IN earns-8.2%below the national average.
$19.4
$775
$3,360
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Elkhart-Goshen isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national economic growth and inflation. Industries involving metal and plastic manufacturing typically see salary adjustments to remain competitive and retain skilled labor, suggesting that professionals in this field have likely experienced incremental pay increases.
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Elkhart-Goshen, IN
Salary progression for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the value placed on expertise and operational efficiency in this sector.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $28,400 | $13.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $30,240 | $14.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $38,890 | $18.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $50,400 | $24.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $51,150 | $24.6 |
Detailed Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,320
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,320
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $40,320 in Elkhart-Goshen, IN, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the nominal wage offers a standard quality of life relative to the rest of the country without significant financial strain or advantage due to cost of living differences.
Job Market Context
680
Total Jobs
5.305
Per 1K Jobs
5.28
Location Quotient
Elkhart-Goshen, IN has 5.3x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 5.28, Elkhart-Goshen, IN, presents a highly concentrated market for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. This indicates a strong regional specialization and a significantly higher prevalence of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a competitive yet abundant job market where employers actively seek this specialized talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Elkhart-Goshen, IN
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 Elkhart-Goshen, IN?
The median annual salary for a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Elkhart-Goshen, IN is $40,320. This typically ranges from $28,400 for entry-level positions to $51,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Elkhart-Goshen, IN is 8.2% lower than the national median of $43,940.
Is Elkhart-Goshen, IN a lucrative place for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the average salary of $40,320 is stable, it falls slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average. The high concentration of jobs indicates strong local demand rather than superior compensation.
Is Elkhart-Goshen, 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 Elkhart-Goshen, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Elkhart-Goshen, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI ($39,420) and Niles, MI.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Elkhart-Goshen, IN is $40,320, which is slightly lower than the national average of $43,940.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient in Elkhart-Goshen?
A Location Quotient of 5.28 signifies that this profession is over five times more concentrated in Elkhart-Goshen than the national average, indicating a specialized and robust local industry for these roles.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Elkhart-Goshen?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Elkhart-Goshen is at the national average. This means the $40,320 salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national standard, without significant cost-of-living advantages or disadvantages.
What is the total number of these jobs in Elkhart-Goshen?
There are approximately 680 Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic employed in the Elkhart-Goshen, IN area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 680 employees in the Elkhart-Goshen, IN area with a job density of 5.305 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 Elkhart-Goshen, IN