In the Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area, Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $41,390. This figure is slightly below the national average of $43,940, a difference often influenced by regional economic factors and industry concentration. The specific demands and labor market dynamics within this nonmetropolitan region contribute to this localized compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,390 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $55,640.
- Outlook: The job market for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Northwest Illinois appears robust, with a total local workforce of 200 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.57 indicates a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a specialized demand for these skills within the region's industrial landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area earns-5.8%below the national average.
$19.9
$796
$3,449
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 Northwest Illinois is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic recovery and inflation. Increases in manufacturing output and technological advancements in metal and plastic processing likely contributed to a steady or upward trajectory in compensation for skilled operators in this sector.
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic is typically tied to experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive experience, proficiency in complex machinery, and quality control expertise can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $31,600 | $15.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $31,043 | $14.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $37,930 | $18.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $51,738 | $24.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $55,640 | $26.8 |
Detailed Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,390
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,390
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $41,390 in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is comparable to the national standard, offering stability for residents without the added financial pressure of a higher cost of living, nor the benefit of a significantly lower one.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
1.577
Per 1K Jobs
1.57
Location Quotient
Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area has 1.6x 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 1.57, Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a higher concentration of Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs than the national average. This suggests a specialized regional industry that actively seeks and retains talent in this field, potentially leading to more opportunities and a competitive environment for skilled workers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Northwest Illinois 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 Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area is $41,390. This typically ranges from $31,600 for entry-level positions to $55,640 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 5.8% lower than the national median of $43,940.
Is Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Moderately. The salary is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living is on par.While the average salary of $41,390 is slightly less than the national average, the Cost of Living Index of 100 indicates that your earnings will have comparable purchasing power to the national standard.
Is Northwest Illinois 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 Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Champaign-Urbana, IL ($44,410) and Springfield, IL.
How does the local workforce size impact job prospects?
A local workforce of 200 suggests a focused, potentially tight-knit industry. While not a massive pool, it indicates a dedicated sector for these roles within the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.57 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.57 signifies that jobs for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are 57% more concentrated in this area than the national average, indicating strong regional demand.
How does experience affect salary in this role?
Experience is a key driver of salary. Entry-level positions will earn less, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command higher compensation, moving into the upper salary percentiles.
Is the Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area a high-demand region for these specific manufacturing roles?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.57 strongly suggests a higher-than-average demand for these specialized manufacturing roles compared to the rest of the country.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.577 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 Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area