In Illinois, Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $44,290. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $43,940, indicating a competitive market. The state's robust manufacturing sector and specialized industrial needs likely contribute to this favorable compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,290 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,030.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 13,180 individuals in this role, Illinois demonstrates a significant concentration of talent. The Location Quotient of 2.16 further underscores this, suggesting that these roles are more than twice as common in Illinois compared to the national average. This indicates a robust and established job market for these specialized positions.
Salary Overview
The average Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Illinois earns+0.8%above the national average.
$21.3
$852
$3,691
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 a positive salary trend over the past four years, mirroring general economic growth and inflation within the manufacturing sector. Increased demand for metal and plastic components, coupled with advancements in casting technology, likely spurred modest but consistent salary increases for skilled operators.
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Illinois
Career progression for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Illinois typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior operators with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average, reflecting their value and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $32,920 | $15.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $33,218 | $16 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $42,320 | $20.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $55,363 | $26.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $61,030 | $29.3 |
Detailed Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,290
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,246
Adjusted for COL (91.8)
The average annual salary of $44,290 in Illinois presents a strong purchasing power, especially when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 91.8. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that everyday expenses such as housing, utilities, and transportation are generally more affordable in Illinois, allowing the nominal salary to stretch further.
Job Market Context
13,180
Total Jobs
2.172
Per 1K Jobs
2.16
Location Quotient
Illinois has 2.2x 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.
Illinois's Location Quotient of 2.16 signifies a highly concentrated job market for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. This indicates that the demand for these professionals is significantly higher relative to the national average, suggesting a competitive environment for employers seeking talent and ample opportunities for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Illinois
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 Illinois?
The median annual salary for a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Illinois is $44,290. This typically ranges from $32,920 for entry-level positions to $61,030 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Illinois is 0.8% higher than the national median of $43,940.
Is Illinois a lucrative place for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, Illinois offers a slightly above-average salary and a lower cost of living for these roles.The average salary in Illinois is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is below the national average, making it financially advantageous.
Is Illinois a good place to live for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Illinois?
Some top paying nearby cities include Champaign-Urbana, IL ($44,410) and Springfield, IL.
What is the total number of these machine operators in Illinois?
There are approximately 13,180 Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic employed in Illinois.
How does Illinois compare to the national average for this job?
Illinois has an average salary slightly higher than the national average and a Location Quotient of 2.16, indicating a significantly higher concentration of these jobs.
Is the cost of living high in Illinois for these workers?
No, the cost of living in Illinois is below the national average, with an index of 91.8, making the $44,290 salary more impactful.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.16 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 2.16 means that these jobs are more than twice as common in Illinois compared to the national average, suggesting a strong and active job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 13,180 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 2.172 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Illinois
- All Occupations Salary in Illinois
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Illinois
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Illinois
- Management Occupations Salary in Illinois
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Illinois
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Illinois
- Production Occupations Salary in Illinois
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Illinois
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Illinois
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Illinois
- Browse All Jobs in Illinois →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Illinois