In the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area, Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $37,340. This figure is notably below the national average of $43,940. The localized pay scale is often influenced by regional economic factors, industry concentration, and the overall demand within this specific nonmetropolitan labor market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,340 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,260.
- Outlook: The job market for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in South Central Tennessee is characterized by a concentrated workforce of 430 individuals. A Location Quotient of 3.83 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a specialized and potentially robust local demand for these skills within the region's manufacturing sector.
Salary Overview
The average Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-15.0%below the national average.
$18
$718
$3,112
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 South Central Tennessee is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national economic trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for manufactured goods, and evolving industry standards likely contribute to upward pressure on wages for skilled machine operators and tenders.
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as one gains expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $29,790 | $14.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $28,005 | $13.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $35,730 | $17.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $46,675 | $22.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $47,260 | $22.7 |
Detailed Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,340
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,340
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $37,340 in South Central Tennessee aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national average, making the compensation relatively stable in terms of everyday expenses within the region.
Job Market Context
430
Total Jobs
3.843
Per 1K Jobs
3.83
Location Quotient
South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area has 3.8x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 3.83, South Central Tennessee exhibits a strong concentration of Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender roles relative to the national landscape. This suggests that the job market in this area is not only competitive but also offers a higher abundance of these specialized positions, potentially leading to more opportunities for qualified individuals within the local manufacturing industry.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near South Central Tennessee 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 Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $37,340. This typically ranges from $29,790 for entry-level positions to $47,260 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 15.0% lower than the national median of $43,940.
Is South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
No, not compared to the national average.While the area has a high concentration of these jobs, the average salary of $37,340 is significantly lower than the national average of $43,940.
Is South Central Tennessee 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 Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($42,840) and Huntsville, AL.
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 Tennessee is $37,340, which is below the national average of $43,940.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in South Central Tennessee?
An LQ of 3.83 indicates that this region has a much higher concentration of Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender jobs than the national average, suggesting a specialized local industry.
How does the Cost of Living affect the salary in South Central Tennessee?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local salary of $37,340 has the same purchasing power as the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly cheaper nor more expensive than the national norm.
What is the total workforce size for this role in the area?
There are approximately 430 individuals employed as Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in the South Central Tennessee 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 430 employees in the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.843 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 Tennessee nonmetropolitan area