In Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN, Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $41,110. This figure is slightly below the national average of $43,940, suggesting that local market dynamics and industry concentration play a significant role in compensation for these specialized roles within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,110 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,600.
- Outlook: The Lafayette-West Lafayette area supports a local workforce of 270 individuals in this specific occupation. With a Location Quotient of 2.67, indicating a concentration significantly higher than the national average, there is a robust demand for these skilled professionals, suggesting a stable and potentially growing job market within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN earns-6.4%below the national average.
$19.8
$791
$3,426
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 Lafayette-West Lafayette is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national economic patterns and the increasing demand for skilled manufacturing labor. This growth is likely driven by inflation, industry advancements, and the need to attract and retain qualified personnel.
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
Career progression for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles. As experience is gained, individuals can expect to see their salaries increase, with significant percentile gaps between junior and senior practitioners reflecting increased responsibility, expertise, and demand for their advanced skills.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $30,410 | $14.6 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $30,833 | $14.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $35,410 | $17 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $51,388 | $24.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $59,600 | $28.7 |
Detailed Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,110
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,110
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $41,110 in Lafayette-West Lafayette aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is equivalent to the national average, offering stability for residents and making relocation financially neutral from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
270
Total Jobs
2.681
Per 1K Jobs
2.67
Location Quotient
Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN has 2.7x 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.
A Location Quotient of 2.67 signifies that Lafayette-West Lafayette has a job market that is 2.67 times more concentrated in Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic than the national average. This high concentration suggests a specialized and potentially competitive market, where employers actively seek out individuals with these specific skills due to their prevalence in the local industrial landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
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 Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
The median annual salary for a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is $41,110. This typically ranges from $30,410 for entry-level positions to $59,600 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is 6.4% lower than the national median of $43,940.
Is Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN a lucrative place for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Moderately. While the salary is slightly below the national average, the high concentration of jobs and average cost of living offer stability.The average salary of $41,110 is comparable to the national average cost of living, and the high location quotient indicates strong local demand for these roles.
Is Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN a good place to live for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area ($44,400) and Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN for this role is $41,110, which is slightly lower than the national average of $43,940.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.67 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 2.67 indicates that this occupation is significantly more concentrated in Lafayette-West Lafayette than the national average, suggesting a higher demand and potentially more job opportunities within the region.
How does the cost of living in Lafayette-West Lafayette affect salary value?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $41,110 salary in Lafayette-West Lafayette offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment.
What is the total number of workers in this field in Lafayette-West Lafayette?
There are approximately 270 individuals employed as Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in the Lafayette-West Lafayette area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN area with a job density of 2.681 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 Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN