In the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area, Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $44,260. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $43,940, indicating a stable demand for these specialized roles within the region's manufacturing sector. The local economic landscape and specific industry needs likely contribute to this competitive compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,260 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,140.
- Outlook: The job market for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Southeast Iowa appears robust, with a total local workforce of 730 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 3.61 signifies a significant concentration of these jobs relative to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a specialized industrial base that relies heavily on this skilled labor.
Salary Overview
The average Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns+0.7%above the national average.
$21.3
$851
$3,688
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 Southeast Iowa have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend would align with broader economic patterns and the increasing demand for skilled manufacturing labor, reflecting a positive trajectory for compensation in this sector.
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior operators with extensive expertise and specialized skills can command salaries well into the higher percentiles, reflecting their value and contribution to production efficiency and quality.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $33,820 | $16.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $33,195 | $16 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $40,440 | $19.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $55,325 | $26.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $58,140 | $28 |
Detailed Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,260
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,260
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $44,260 in Southeast Iowa aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, making relocation to this area financially neutral from a cost-of-living perspective for these roles.
Job Market Context
730
Total Jobs
3.621
Per 1K Jobs
3.61
Location Quotient
Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 3.6x 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 3.61, Southeast Iowa exhibits a highly concentrated market for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. This indicates that these roles are significantly more prevalent in this region than the national average, suggesting a specialized industrial ecosystem and potentially fewer opportunities for broad competition, but a strong demand within the existing framework.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Southeast 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 Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $44,260. This typically ranges from $33,820 for entry-level positions to $58,140 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 0.7% higher than the national median of $43,940.
Is Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to the national average.The average salary of $44,260 slightly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is at the national benchmark, making it a financially stable region for these roles.
Is Southeast 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 Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southeast 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 workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 730 indicates a substantial pool of skilled labor, suggesting established industry presence and ongoing demand for these specialized roles within Southeast Iowa.
What does a Location Quotient of 3.61 mean for this job title?
A Location Quotient of 3.61 signifies that jobs for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are over 3.5 times more concentrated in Southeast Iowa than the national average, pointing to a specialized and robust local industry.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Southeast Iowa?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $44,260 average salary holds its value effectively, meaning your earnings will have purchasing power comparable to the national average.
Are there many jobs for Metal and Plastic Machine Operators in this region?
Yes, the data shows 3.621 jobs per 1,000 workers, which, combined with the high Location Quotient, indicates a significant presence and demand for these positions in Southeast Iowa.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 730 employees in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.621 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 Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area