In Rockford, IL, Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $40,930. This figure is slightly below the national average of $43,940, a common occurrence in areas with specific industrial concentrations. Local economic factors and the demand within Rockford's manufacturing sector play a significant role in shaping this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,930 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,520.
- Outlook: Rockford, IL supports a local workforce of 450 individuals in this specialized field. The robust Location Quotient of 3.2 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a strong and established presence of metal and plastic manufacturing. This concentration points to a stable demand for skilled operators and tenders within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Rockford, IL earns-6.9%below the national average.
$19.7
$787
$3,411
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 Rockford is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring broader economic recovery and inflation. Increased demand for manufactured goods and evolving industry standards likely contribute to modest annual salary growth.
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Rockford, IL
Career progression for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically involves a clear salary scaling from entry-level positions to senior or specialized roles. While exact percentile data is unavailable, the typical salary range widens considerably with experience, with senior technicians commanding higher earnings due to their expertise in complex machinery operation, troubleshooting, and quality control. These percentile gaps are indicative of significant career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $31,200 | $15 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $30,698 | $14.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $38,530 | $18.5 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $51,163 | $24.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $57,520 | $27.7 |
Detailed Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,930
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,930
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $40,930 in Rockford, IL aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, which stands at an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Rockford is comparable to the national standard, offering a stable financial foundation for residents without the added burden of significantly higher or lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
450
Total Jobs
3.214
Per 1K Jobs
3.2
Location Quotient
Rockford, IL has 3.2x 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 3.2, Rockford, IL demonstrates a highly concentrated market for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. This significantly above-average concentration suggests that the job market in this sector is robust and that employers actively seek out talent with these specific skills, potentially leading to competitive opportunities for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Rockford, IL
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 Rockford, IL?
The median annual salary for a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Rockford, IL is $40,930. This typically ranges from $31,200 for entry-level positions to $57,520 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Rockford, IL is 6.9% lower than the national median of $43,940.
Is Rockford, IL a lucrative place for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, with a stable cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the strong concentration of these jobs and a cost of living at the national average make Rockford a stable environment for these professionals.
Is Rockford, IL a good place to live for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Rockford, IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Rockford, IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Janesville-Beloit, WI ($42,550) and Madison, WI.
How does Rockford's job market compare nationally for this role?
Rockford has a significantly higher concentration of these jobs than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 3.2, suggesting a robust local demand.
What is the average salary for this position in Rockford, IL?
The average annual salary for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Rockford, IL is $40,930.
How does the cost of living in Rockford affect salary expectations?
Rockford's cost of living index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $40,930 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national standard.
Are there many job opportunities for metal and plastic machine setters in Rockford?
Yes, the high Location Quotient of 3.2 indicates a strong concentration of these roles, suggesting abundant opportunities within the local manufacturing sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 450 employees in the Rockford, IL area with a job density of 3.214 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 Rockford, IL