In Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas, Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $39,510. This figure is notably below the national average of $43,940, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a lower demand for specialized manufacturing roles outside of major industrial hubs. The concentration of these roles in the state's rural areas also influences compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $50,170.
- Outlook: The job market for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas shows a moderate level of concentration, with a Location Quotient of 2.17, indicating a presence nearly 2.2 times the national average. Supported by a local workforce of 820 individuals in this specific role, the demand appears stable, suggesting a consistent need for these skilled professionals within the region's manufacturing sector.
Salary Overview
The average Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Kansas nonmetropolitan area earns-10.1%below the national average.
$19
$760
$3,293
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 Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in manufacturing wages. This upward trajectory is often driven by inflation, increased demand for manufactured goods, and the need to retain skilled labor in a competitive environment.
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Kansas nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive knowledge of complex machinery, quality control, and troubleshooting can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career ladder, rewarding accumulated expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $30,150 | $14.5 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $29,633 | $14.2 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $37,310 | $17.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $49,388 | $23.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $50,170 | $24.1 |
Detailed Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,510
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $39,510 in Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary is effectively equivalent to the national average, as the cost of goods and services locally does not present a disadvantage.
Job Market Context
820
Total Jobs
2.176
Per 1K Jobs
2.17
Location Quotient
Kansas nonmetropolitan area 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.
With a Location Quotient of 2.17, Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas exhibit a significant concentration of Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic roles compared to the national average. This suggests a robust local industry that relies heavily on these specialized skills, potentially leading to a more competitive job market for employers seeking talent, while offering ample opportunities for job seekers in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Wichita, KS Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary | $39,340↓ 0% | 67 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kansas nonmetropolitan area
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 Kansas nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Kansas nonmetropolitan area is $39,510. This typically ranges from $30,150 for entry-level positions to $50,170 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kansas nonmetropolitan area is 10.1% lower than the national median of $43,940.
Is Kansas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
No, it is not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $39,510 is below the national average of $43,940, although the cost of living is also at the national average, mitigating some of the disparity.
Is Kansas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Kansas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kansas nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Wichita, KS ($39,340) and others.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 2.176 jobs per 1,000 workers, this role is more concentrated in Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas than the national average, indicating a higher prevalence of these positions locally.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 2.17?
An LQ of 2.17 means that the concentration of Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs in Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas is more than double the national average, highlighting a specialized industry presence.
Does the total local workforce of 820 indicate high demand?
A workforce of 820 in this specific role suggests a substantial and established presence of these jobs within the region, supporting the idea of consistent demand for skilled operators.
How does the salary compare to other states?
While this data focuses on Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas, salaries for similar roles can vary significantly across different states and metropolitan regions, often being higher in areas with a greater concentration of manufacturing and higher costs of living.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 820 employees in the Kansas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.176 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 Kansas nonmetropolitan area