In the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area, Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic professionals earn an average annual salary of $45,000. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $43,940, indicating a localized demand that supports competitive compensation. The specific economic drivers and industry concentration within this region play a significant role in shaping these salary outcomes.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,000 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,710.
- Outlook: The job market for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in South Central Kentucky appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 1,620 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 9.41 strongly suggests a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average, pointing towards a high demand and a specialized local industry that actively employs these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns+2.4%above the national average.
$21.6
$865
$3,750
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 South Central Kentucky have experienced growth over the past four years. Economic factors such as inflation, increased demand for manufactured goods, and evolving industry standards typically drive upward salary trends, reflecting a dynamic and potentially expanding job market.
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in South Central Kentucky likely involves a salary scale that increases with experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution would reflect this progression, with senior roles occupying the higher percentiles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $37,060 | $17.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $33,750 | $16.2 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $40,400 | $19.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $56,250 | $27 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $59,710 | $28.7 |
Detailed Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,000
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,000
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $45,000 in South Central Kentucky 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, suggesting that the cost of goods and services in the region is neither exceptionally high nor low relative to the rest of the country. Therefore, the $45,000 salary offers a stable financial standing for residents.
Job Market Context
1,620
Total Jobs
9.445
Per 1K Jobs
9.41
Location Quotient
South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 9.4x 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 9.41, South Central Kentucky exhibits a highly concentrated market for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic professionals. This indicates that these roles are significantly more prevalent in this region than the national average, suggesting a specialized industrial base and potentially fewer competing job seekers for each opening. This concentration points to a strong local demand for these specific skills.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near South Central Kentucky 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 South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $45,000. This typically ranges from $37,060 for entry-level positions to $59,710 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 2.4% higher than the national median of $43,940.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation and a strong job market.The average salary of $45,000 slightly exceeds the national average, and the exceptionally high Location Quotient of 9.41 signifies a concentrated demand for these roles within the region.
Is South Central Kentucky 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 South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($54,200) and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in South Central Kentucky is $45,000, which is slightly higher than the national average of $43,940.
What does the Location Quotient of 9.41 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 9.41 indicates that these roles are over 9 times more concentrated in South Central Kentucky than the national average, suggesting a strong local demand and specialized industry presence.
How does the cost of living affect the $45,000 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the $45,000 salary in South Central Kentucky offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment.
What is the total number of these jobs in the area?
There are approximately 1,620 Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic employed in the South Central Kentucky 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 1,620 employees in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 9.445 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 South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area