In Fort Smith, AR-OK, Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $38,980. This figure is notably below the national average of $43,940, suggesting localized economic factors or a different market dynamic at play within this specific region. The concentration of this industry and the overall demand within Fort Smith likely influence this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,980 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,120.
- Outlook: The local workforce of 200 individuals in this specialized role, combined with a Location Quotient of 2.11, indicates a significant concentration of these jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK, relative to the national average. This suggests a robust demand and a potentially stable job market for these professionals within the region, as the industry is more prevalent here than in many other areas.
Salary Overview
The average Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-11.3%below the national average.
$18.7
$750
$3,248
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Fort Smith, AR-OK have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Increased demand for manufactured goods and advancements in production technology likely contribute to upward pressure on wages.
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Career progression for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically involves gaining experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive expertise and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher compensation, reflecting the increasing value of their contributions and the widening percentile gaps in earnings.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $30,320 | $14.6 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $29,235 | $14.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $40,030 | $19.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $48,725 | $23.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $47,120 | $22.7 |
Detailed Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,980
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,980
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $38,980 in Fort Smith, AR-OK 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 locally is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing for residents without the added financial strain of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
2.118
Per 1K Jobs
2.11
Location Quotient
Fort Smith, AR-OK has 2.1x 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 2.11, Fort Smith, AR-OK demonstrates a job market that is more than twice as concentrated in Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic roles compared to the national average. This high concentration suggests a competitive environment where employers may have a readily available pool of talent, but also indicates a strong industry presence that could offer numerous opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
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 Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $38,980. This typically ranges from $30,320 for entry-level positions to $47,120 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 11.3% lower than the national median of $43,940.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the salary of $38,980 is on par with the local cost of living, it falls below the national average of $43,940. The high concentration of these jobs indicates demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Smith, AR-OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR ($41,850) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $38,980, which is lower than the national average of $43,940 for this role.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.11 mean for this job market?
A Location Quotient of 2.11 signifies that this job role is more than twice as concentrated in Fort Smith, AR-OK compared to the national average, indicating a strong local industry presence.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 100, meaning it's at the national average. Therefore, the $38,980 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of these jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
There are approximately 200 individuals employed in Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic roles within the Fort Smith, AR-OK local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 2.118 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 Fort Smith, AR-OK