In Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL, Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $36,240. This figure is notably below the national average of $43,940, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as industry concentration and regional economic factors, play a significant role in compensation for these specialized roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,240 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,680.
- Outlook: The Florence-Muscle Shoals area demonstrates a robust concentration of Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, with a Location Quotient of 5.97, indicating a significantly higher presence than the national average. This strong concentration, supported by a local workforce of 330 individuals in this specific role, suggests a healthy and potentially growing demand for these skilled professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL earns-17.5%below the national average.
$17.4
$697
$3,020
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 generally assumed that salaries for skilled manufacturing roles like Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This upward trajectory is likely influenced by increasing demand for manufactured goods and the ongoing need for specialized operational expertise.
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL
Career progression for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 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 extensive knowledge and troubleshooting skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this advancement, with experienced professionals occupying the higher salary brackets.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $21,800 | $10.5 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $27,180 | $13.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $39,030 | $18.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $45,300 | $21.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $45,680 | $22 |
Detailed Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,240
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,240
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $36,240 in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average for this role, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, making relocation financially neutral from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
330
Total Jobs
5.994
Per 1K Jobs
5.97
Location Quotient
Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL has 6.0x 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 5.97, Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL, exhibits a highly concentrated market for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. This indicates that the region has a disproportionately large number of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a specialized industrial base and potentially a competitive environment for both employers seeking talent and individuals seeking employment in this niche.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL
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 Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL?
The median annual salary for a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL is $36,240. This typically ranges from $21,800 for entry-level positions to $45,680 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL is 17.5% lower than the national median of $43,940.
Is Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL a lucrative place for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
No, it is not more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary of $36,240 is significantly lower than the national average of $43,940 for this role.
Is Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL a good place to live for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Huntsville, AL ($41,620) and East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 330 in this specific role suggests a substantial pool of experienced individuals, which can indicate both a stable job market and potential competition for new entrants.
What does a Location Quotient of 5.97 mean for this job?
A Location Quotient of 5.97 signifies that this role is nearly six times more concentrated in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL, than the national average, highlighting the region's specialization in this industry.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $36,240 salary in Florence-Muscle Shoals has the same purchasing power as the national average, meaning your earnings will stretch similarly to the rest of the country.
Are there many job opportunities for Casting Machine Operators in Florence-Muscle Shoals?
The high concentration (LQ 5.97) suggests a strong presence of these jobs, implying that while the market is specialized, there are likely consistent opportunities for skilled workers in this sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 330 employees in the Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL area with a job density of 5.994 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 Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL