In the North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area, Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $38,200. This figure is notably below the national average of $43,940, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially different industry demand structure. The specific economic landscape and industry concentration within this nonmetropolitan region significantly influence compensation levels for these specialized roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,200 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,960.
- Outlook: The job market for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in North Arkansas appears robust, with a total local workforce of 360 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 3.04 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs in the area compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a specialized industrial base that relies heavily on this workforce.
Salary Overview
The average Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earns-13.1%below the national average.
$18.4
$735
$3,183
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 North Arkansas is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national economic recovery and inflation. Such growth would likely be influenced by increased demand for manufactured goods, advancements in manufacturing technology, and the ongoing need for skilled labor in metal and plastic processing industries across the region.
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive knowledge of complex machinery, quality control, and troubleshooting command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding accumulated expertise and responsibility within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $31,650 | $15.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $28,650 | $13.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $36,200 | $17.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $47,750 | $23 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $47,960 | $23.1 |
Detailed Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,200
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,200
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $38,200 in the North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national average, making the effective financial standing comparable to other regions despite the lower nominal wage.
Job Market Context
360
Total Jobs
3.048
Per 1K Jobs
3.04
Location Quotient
North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area has 3.0x 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.
The Location Quotient of 3.04 for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in North Arkansas signifies a highly concentrated industry presence. This indicates that the region is a significant hub for these specific manufacturing roles, suggesting a competitive environment for employers seeking talent but potentially offering more opportunities for job seekers within this specialized field compared to national averages.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is $38,200. This typically ranges from $31,650 for entry-level positions to $47,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 13.1% lower than the national median of $43,940.
Is North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
No, it is not more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $38,200 is below the national average of $43,940, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is North Arkansas 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 North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($42,130) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?
A local workforce of 360 suggests a moderately sized, specialized labor pool, which, combined with a high location quotient, indicates a strong demand for these roles within the region's specific industrial makeup.
What does a Location Quotient of 3.04 mean for this job title?
A Location Quotient of 3.04 signifies that jobs for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are over three times more concentrated in North Arkansas than the national average, pointing to a specialized industrial demand.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the $38,200 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $38,200 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning the lower nominal wage is offset by lower living expenses relative to the national standard.
Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers for this role in North Arkansas?
Yes, with 3.048 jobs per 1,000 workers, this role is significantly more prevalent in North Arkansas compared to the national average, reinforcing the idea of a concentrated industry.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 360 employees in the North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.048 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 North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area