In the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area, Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $41,940. This figure is slightly below the national average of $43,940, a common occurrence in regions with a lower cost of living and a specialized industrial base. The specific economic drivers and demand within this particular sector in Northwest Iowa contribute to this localized compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,940 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 39.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $50,650.
- Outlook: The job market for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area appears robust, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.8. This suggests a concentration of these roles significantly higher than the national average, implying a strong local demand and a specialized industrial ecosystem. With a total local workforce of 270 in this occupation, the presence of nearly double the national average concentration points to a stable and potentially growing employment landscape for these skilled professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-4.6%below the national average.
$20.2
$807
$3,495
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise role in Northwest Iowa is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns in manufacturing and skilled trades. Economic factors such as inflation, increased demand for manufactured goods, and evolving production technologies typically drive incremental salary increases for machine operators and tenders. This upward trajectory likely reflects a growing recognition of the skills and responsibilities associated with these critical production roles.
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
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 specialization. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with expertise in complex machinery, quality control, and process optimization can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution, though not detailed here, would signify the earning potential as one moves from junior operator roles to senior technician or supervisory positions.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $33,970 | $16.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $31,455 | $15.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $39,370 | $18.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $52,425 | $25.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $50,650 | $24.4 |
Detailed Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,940
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,940
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $41,940 in the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is equivalent to the national average, making relocation to this area financially neutral in terms of cost of living. While the nominal salary is slightly lower than the national average, the stable cost of living ensures that the real value of the earnings is maintained, offering a predictable financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
270
Total Jobs
1.811
Per 1K Jobs
1.8
Location Quotient
Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 1.8x 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 1.8 for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area indicates a significant concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the region has a specialized industrial base that relies heavily on these skills, making the job market relatively competitive for employers seeking talent but potentially abundant for job seekers within this niche. The higher concentration points to a strong local demand that outpaces the national average.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
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 Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $41,940. This typically ranges from $33,970 for entry-level positions to $50,650 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 4.6% lower than the national median of $43,940.
Is Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, it offers stable earning potential with excellent cost of living alignment.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the Cost of Living Index is also at the national average, meaning your earnings have equivalent purchasing power. The high Location Quotient indicates strong local demand for these roles.
Is Northwest Iowa 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 Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA ($47,950) and Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary in Northwest Iowa for this role is $41,940, which is approximately $2,000 less than the national average of $43,940.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.8 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.8 signifies that this occupation is 80% more concentrated in Northwest Iowa than the national average, suggesting a higher demand and potentially more job opportunities within this specific industry in the region.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect my salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, your $41,940 salary in Northwest Iowa has the same purchasing power as the national average salary would in a typical U.S. location.
What is the total number of these jobs in the area?
There are approximately 270 Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic employed in the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan 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 Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.811 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 Iowa nonmetropolitan area