In Lexington-Fayette, KY, Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an impressive average annual salary of $54,200. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $43,940, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher value placed on these specialized manufacturing roles within the region. The local economic landscape and industry concentration likely contribute to this favorable compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,200 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 58.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $105,270.
- Outlook: The job market for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Lexington-Fayette, KY, appears stable and well-established. With a total local workforce of 290 individuals in this role, and a Location Quotient of 1.01, the concentration of these jobs is right at the national average, suggesting a consistent and reliable demand for these skilled positions within the area's manufacturing sector.
Salary Overview
The average Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Lexington-Fayette, KY earns+23.4%above the national average.
$26.1
$1,042
$4,517
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Lexington-Fayette, KY, is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a trend of salary growth mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Economic factors such as inflation, increased demand for manufactured goods, and evolving industry standards typically drive upward adjustments in compensation for skilled labor, suggesting that the average salary of $54,200 may have seen a steady increase.
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Lexington-Fayette, KY
Career progression for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically involves a salary scale that increases with experience and skill. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive knowledge of complex machinery, quality control, and troubleshooting can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight these opportunities for advancement and higher earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $36,000 | $17.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $40,650 | $19.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $46,560 | $22.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $67,750 | $32.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $105,270 | $50.6 |
Detailed Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,200
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,200
Adjusted for COL (100)
For professionals considering a move to Lexington-Fayette, KY, the average annual salary of $54,200 presents a strong financial proposition. With a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average, the nominal salary translates directly to purchasing power that is on par with the rest of the country. This means your earnings will comfortably cover standard living expenses without the added burden of a significantly higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
290
Total Jobs
1.014
Per 1K Jobs
1.01
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.01, Lexington-Fayette, KY has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.01 for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Lexington-Fayette, KY, indicates a job market that is closely aligned with the national average in terms of industry concentration. This suggests a balanced market where the demand for these roles is consistent with the overall presence of the industry, neither overly saturated nor exceptionally scarce, providing a stable environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Lexington-Fayette, KY
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 Lexington-Fayette, KY?
The median annual salary for a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Lexington-Fayette, KY is $54,200. This typically ranges from $36,000 for entry-level positions to $105,270 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 23.4% higher than the national median of $43,940.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a lucrative place for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Yes, Lexington-Fayette, KY offers a lucrative environment for these roles.The average salary of $54,200 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, making it a financially advantageous location.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a good place to live for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lexington-Fayette, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area ($46,680) and South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
How does the salary in Lexington-Fayette compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Lexington-Fayette, KY is $54,200, which is notably higher than the national average of $43,940.
What is the Cost of Living Index in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
The Cost of Living Index in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How concentrated is the job market for this role in Lexington-Fayette?
The job market concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.01, which is very close to the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent presence of these jobs in the local economy.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.01 imply for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.01 implies that the proportion of Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs in Lexington-Fayette is very similar to the national proportion, indicating a balanced 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 290 employees in the Lexington-Fayette, KY area with a job density of 1.014 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 Lexington-Fayette, KY