In North Carolina, Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $43,620. This figure is slightly below the national average of $43,940. Local economic factors and industry concentration within the state contribute to this specific compensation level.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $43,620 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,680.
- Outlook: North Carolina boasts a significant workforce of 7,410 individuals in this specialized field, with a Location Quotient of 1.51, indicating a concentration 51% higher than the national average. This suggests a robust and established job market for these roles within the state, pointing to consistent demand and opportunities.
Salary Overview
The average Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in North Carolina earns-0.7%below the national average.
$21
$839
$3,635
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in North Carolina have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring general wage growth and inflation. This suggests a positive trajectory for earning potential in this sector.
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in North Carolina
Career progression in this field typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while experienced operators with specialized skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in pay reflect this clear path for advancement and increased responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $33,220 | $16 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $32,715 | $15.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $41,550 | $20 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $54,525 | $26.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $58,680 | $28.2 |
Detailed Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$43,620
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,964
Adjusted for COL (94.9)
The average annual salary of $43,620 in North Carolina is quite favorable when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 94.9. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that the purchasing power of this salary is likely to be stronger in North Carolina compared to more expensive regions, allowing for a comfortable standard of living.
Job Market Context
7,410
Total Jobs
1.512
Per 1K Jobs
1.51
Location Quotient
North Carolina has 1.5x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 1.51, North Carolina exhibits a higher concentration of these specialized metal and plastic machine operator roles than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant market, where employers actively seek skilled professionals, and there are ample opportunities for those with the requisite expertise.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near North Carolina
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 North Carolina?
The median annual salary for a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in North Carolina is $43,620. This typically ranges from $33,220 for entry-level positions to $58,680 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Carolina is 0.7% lower than the national median of $43,940.
Is North Carolina a lucrative place for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, with a favorable cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, North Carolina's lower cost of living index makes the $43,620 salary more impactful. The strong industry concentration also indicates good job availability.
Is North Carolina a good place to live for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
With a Cost of Living Index of 94.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near North Carolina?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($44,710) and Burlington, NC.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
North Carolina has 1.512 jobs per 1,000 workers in this field, which is higher than the national average, reflecting a greater prevalence of these roles within the state's workforce.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) being 1.51?
An LQ of 1.51 means that North Carolina has 51% more of these jobs relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average, indicating a specialized industry presence.
How does the cost of living in North Carolina affect the salary?
With a cost of living index of 94.9, North Carolina is more affordable than the national average. This means the $43,620 salary can provide a higher standard of living than the same amount might in a higher cost-of-living state.
What does the total local workforce number of 7,410 imply?
The 7,410 workers in this sector represent a substantial segment of the manufacturing labor pool in North Carolina, highlighting the importance and scale of this industry within the state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,410 employees in the North Carolina area with a job density of 1.512 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 Carolina