In Fort Wayne, IN, Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $41,710. This figure is slightly below the national average of $43,940, a common occurrence in regions with a strong industrial base but potentially lower overall wage pressures. The local economic landscape and specific industry demand in Fort Wayne play a significant role in shaping this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,710 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $55,620.
- Outlook: Fort Wayne, IN, demonstrates a notable concentration of Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, with a total local workforce of 470 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 2.09 indicates a significantly higher presence of these jobs in Fort Wayne compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and specialized local job market for this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Fort Wayne, IN earns-5.1%below the national average.
$20.1
$802
$3,476
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Fort Wayne is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national economic recovery and inflation. The demand for skilled manufacturing labor, particularly in metal and plastic processing, often leads to incremental salary increases as companies compete for qualified talent.
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Fort Wayne, IN
Career progression for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Fort Wayne typically involves a salary increase 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 salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight these opportunities for advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $31,370 | $15.1 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $31,283 | $15 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $39,340 | $18.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $52,138 | $25.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $55,620 | $26.7 |
Detailed Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,710
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,710
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $41,710 in Fort Wayne, IN, 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 in Fort Wayne is comparable to the national average, making the nominal income translate directly to a similar standard of living as experienced elsewhere in the country.
Job Market Context
470
Total Jobs
2.095
Per 1K Jobs
2.09
Location Quotient
Fort Wayne, IN 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 2.09, Fort Wayne, IN, presents a highly concentrated market for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. This indicates that the demand for these professionals is more than double the national average relative to the overall workforce, suggesting a competitive environment for employers seeking talent and potentially favorable conditions for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Fort Wayne, 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 Fort Wayne, IN?
The median annual salary for a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Fort Wayne, IN is $41,710. This typically ranges from $31,370 for entry-level positions to $55,620 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fort Wayne, IN is 5.1% lower than the national median of $43,940.
Is Fort Wayne, IN a lucrative place for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, it offers a stable market with average cost of living.Fort Wayne, IN, has a strong concentration of these roles (LQ of 2.09) and a cost of living that matches the national average, providing good value for the $41,710 average salary.
Is Fort Wayne, 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 Fort Wayne, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Wayne, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lima, OH ($41,170) and Elkhart-Goshen, IN.
How does the Fort Wayne salary compare to the national average?
The average salary of $41,710 in Fort Wayne is slightly lower 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 in Fort Wayne?
A Location Quotient of 2.09 means that jobs for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are more than twice as common in Fort Wayne compared to the national average, indicating a specialized and robust local industry.
Does the cost of living in Fort Wayne affect the salary's value?
No, the cost of living in Fort Wayne is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $41,710 salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the total local workforce size suggest about job availability?
With 470 individuals employed in this role locally, Fort Wayne has a substantial workforce dedicated to metal and plastic machine operation, suggesting consistent demand and opportunities within the sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 470 employees in the Fort Wayne, IN area with a job density of 2.095 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 Wayne, IN