In the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area, Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $41,500. This figure is slightly below the national average of $43,940. Local economic factors and industry demand within the region contribute to this specific compensation level, reflecting the unique dynamics of the Grand Rapids labor market for these specialized roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,500 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $55,130.
- Outlook: The Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood metropolitan area demonstrates a significant concentration of Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, with a robust local workforce of 2,780 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 4.93 indicates that this profession is nearly five times more concentrated here than the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand for these skilled workers within the region's manufacturing sector.
Salary Overview
The average Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI earns-5.6%below the national average.
$20
$798
$3,458
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Grand Rapids is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring broader economic recovery and inflation. This growth is likely driven by increased manufacturing output and a persistent need for skilled labor in the metal and plastic industries, pushing compensation higher to attract and retain qualified professionals.
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
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 extensive expertise and specialized certifications can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights clear career advancement opportunities and the value placed on accumulated skill and knowledge in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $32,250 | $15.5 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $31,125 | $15 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $37,960 | $18.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $51,875 | $24.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $55,130 | $26.5 |
Detailed Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,500
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,500
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $41,500 in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is comparable to the national standard, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability for individuals relocating to or residing in the area. Your earnings will likely cover essential expenses at a similar rate to what you might expect elsewhere in the country.
Job Market Context
2,780
Total Jobs
4.95
Per 1K Jobs
4.93
Location Quotient
Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI has 4.9x 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 4.93, the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood area exhibits a highly concentrated market for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. This suggests a robust and specialized demand for these roles, making the job market potentially competitive for employers seeking talent but offering ample opportunities for skilled workers. The high concentration implies that this industry is a significant component of the local economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
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 Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The median annual salary for a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $41,500. This typically ranges from $32,250 for entry-level positions to $55,130 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 5.6% lower than the national median of $43,940.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a lucrative place for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, it is a highly concentrated market with a cost of living matching the national average.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the extremely high concentration of these jobs (LQ of 4.93) indicates strong local demand. Furthermore, the cost of living being at the national average means your salary has standard purchasing power.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a good place to live for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI ($44,900) and Kalamazoo-Portage, MI.
How does the Grand Rapids salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $41,500, which is slightly lower than the national average of $43,940.
What does the Location Quotient of 4.93 signify?
A Location Quotient of 4.93 means that the concentration of Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 4.93 times higher than the national average, indicating a very strong presence of this industry in the region.
How does the cost of living in Grand Rapids affect the salary?
The cost of living in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is at the national average (100). This means the $41,500 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in terms of affordability.
What is the total number of these jobs in the Grand Rapids area?
There are approximately 2,780 Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic employed within the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,780 employees in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area with a job density of 4.95 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 Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI