In Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $41,510. This figure is slightly below the national average of $43,940, a common occurrence in regions with specific industrial concentrations. Local economic factors and the demand within the manufacturing sector significantly influence this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,060.
- Outlook: The job market for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, shows notable concentration. With a total local workforce of 420 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 3.46, the demand for these skilled professionals is significantly higher than the national average, indicating a robust and specialized local industry.
Salary Overview
The average Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI earns-5.5%below the national average.
$20
$798
$3,459
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 Kalamazoo-Portage is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for skilled manufacturing positions like Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is often driven by inflation, increased demand for manufactured goods, and the need for specialized technical expertise.
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
Career progression for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, typically involves a salary scale that increases with experience and skill. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting their value and expertise in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $31,840 | $15.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $31,133 | $15 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $36,660 | $17.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $51,888 | $24.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $58,060 | $27.9 |
Detailed Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,510
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $41,510 in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services, housing, and other daily expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than what a worker would experience elsewhere in the country.
Job Market Context
420
Total Jobs
3.471
Per 1K Jobs
3.46
Location Quotient
Kalamazoo-Portage, MI has 3.5x 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.
Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, exhibits a strong concentration of Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, as evidenced by its Location Quotient of 3.46. This significantly above-average concentration suggests a specialized and potentially competitive market for these roles, where employers may actively seek out experienced talent due to the higher prevalence of related industries in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Kalamazoo-Portage, 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 Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
The median annual salary for a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is $41,510. This typically ranges from $31,840 for entry-level positions to $58,060 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 5.5% lower than the national median of $43,940.
Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI 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 concentration of these jobs is high, the average salary of $41,510 is below the national average of $43,940, and the cost of living is at the national average.
Is Kalamazoo-Portage, 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 Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Battle Creek, MI ($44,400) and Elkhart-Goshen, IN.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is $41,510, which is slightly lower than the national average of $43,940.
What is the job market like for these roles in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
The job market is highly concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 3.46, indicating a significantly higher presence of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
The cost of living in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, is at the national average (100), meaning the $41,510 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the Location Quotient of 3.46 signify?
A Location Quotient of 3.46 means that jobs for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are 3.46 times more concentrated in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, than the national average, highlighting a specialized 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 420 employees in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI area with a job density of 3.471 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 Kalamazoo-Portage, MI