In Iowa City, IA, Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic professionals earn an average annual salary of $43,030. This figure is slightly below the national average of $43,940, indicating localized market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of living that influences compensation. The specific economic landscape and demand within Iowa City shape this compensation structure.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $43,030 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $53,100.
- Outlook: The job market for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Iowa City, IA, shows significant local concentration. With a total local workforce of 410 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 4.45, this occupation is substantially more prevalent in Iowa City than the national average. This high concentration suggests a robust demand and a specialized industrial base within the region that supports a considerable number of these positions.
Salary Overview
The average Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Iowa City, IA earns-2.1%below the national average.
$20.7
$828
$3,586
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 reasonable to assume that salaries for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Iowa City have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic expansion, inflation, and evolving industry demands typically drive upward adjustments in compensation for skilled manufacturing roles.
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Iowa City, IA
Career progression for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Iowa City, IA, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive expertise and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this progression, with experienced professionals occupying the higher salary brackets.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $30,460 | $14.6 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $32,273 | $15.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $43,700 | $21 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $53,788 | $25.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $53,100 | $25.5 |
Detailed Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$43,030
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,030
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $43,030 in Iowa City, IA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This suggests that the purchasing power of the salary is on par with the national standard, meaning that the average income provides a comparable standard of living to that found across the United States. Therefore, relocating to Iowa City for this role would likely not result in a significant change in lifestyle costs.
Job Market Context
410
Total Jobs
4.463
Per 1K Jobs
4.45
Location Quotient
Iowa City, IA has 4.5x 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.
Iowa City, IA, presents a highly concentrated market for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, as evidenced by its Location Quotient of 4.45. This significantly above-average concentration indicates that the demand for these professionals is disproportionately high compared to the rest of the nation. Consequently, the job market is likely competitive for employers seeking talent, but potentially offers abundant opportunities for skilled workers in this specialized field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Iowa City, IA
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 Iowa City, IA?
The median annual salary for a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Iowa City, IA is $43,030. This typically ranges from $30,460 for entry-level positions to $53,100 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Iowa City, IA is 2.1% lower than the national median of $43,940.
Is Iowa City, IA a lucrative place for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the salary of $43,030 is comparable to the national average of $43,940, the cost of living is also at the national average, offering no distinct financial advantage. However, the high concentration of these jobs suggests strong local demand.
Is Iowa City, IA a good place to live for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Iowa City, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Iowa City, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($45,410) and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL.
How does the number of local workers impact job opportunities?
With 410 local workers in this role, Iowa City has a substantial base, but the high Location Quotient suggests that these jobs are a significant part of the local economy, potentially indicating strong demand relative to the workforce size.
What does a Location Quotient of 4.45 mean for this job?
A Location Quotient of 4.45 signifies that this occupation is over four times more concentrated in Iowa City than the national average, indicating a specialized and robust local industry for these roles.
How does the cost of living in Iowa City compare nationally?
Iowa City's Cost of Living Index is exactly 100, meaning it is precisely average compared to the national standard, offering no significant savings or increased expenses for residents.
Are there many jobs per thousand workers for this role in Iowa City?
With 4.463 jobs per 1,000 workers, this occupation is well-represented in Iowa City's labor market, further supporting the idea of significant local demand and industry presence.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 410 employees in the Iowa City, IA area with a job density of 4.463 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 Iowa City, IA