In the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area, Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an impressive average annual salary of $62,700. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $43,940, indicating a strong local demand for these specialized skills. The robust pay in this region is likely driven by a concentrated industry presence and a need to attract and retain skilled labor within the local manufacturing sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $62,700 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 71.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $95,210.
- Outlook: The job market for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area appears robust, supported by a substantial local workforce of 810 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 6.23 signifies a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a strong and established industry presence that drives consistent demand.
Salary Overview
The average Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns+42.7%above the national average.
$30.1
$1,206
$5,225
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 a positive salary growth trend over the past four years for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in West Kentucky. Economic factors such as inflation, increased demand for manufactured goods, and the ongoing need for skilled labor typically contribute to upward salary adjustments in specialized manufacturing roles.
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced skills and responsibilities can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly delineate these stages of career development and reward accumulated expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $36,730 | $17.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $47,025 | $22.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $60,000 | $28.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $78,375 | $37.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $95,210 | $45.8 |
Detailed Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$62,700
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$62,700
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $62,700 in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area presents a highly favorable financial scenario, especially when contrasted with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the higher-than-average earnings translate directly into greater purchasing power for residents, making the region an economically attractive location for these professionals.
Job Market Context
810
Total Jobs
6.252
Per 1K Jobs
6.23
Location Quotient
West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 6.2x 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.
The Location Quotient of 6.23 for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area indicates an extremely concentrated job market. This high concentration suggests that the demand for these roles is significantly higher than the national average, making the market highly competitive for employers seeking talent and potentially offering strong opportunities for skilled workers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $62,700. This typically ranges from $36,730 for entry-level positions to $95,210 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 42.7% higher than the national median of $43,940.
Is West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative area.The average salary of $62,700 is substantially higher than the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is West 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 West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($54,200) and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 810 indicates a substantial pool of individuals already engaged in or familiar with these roles, suggesting a stable industry presence and consistent demand for skilled operators.
What does a Location Quotient of 6.23 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 6.23 signifies that jobs for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are over six times more concentrated in West Kentucky than the national average, pointing to high demand and specialized industry focus.
How does the cost of living affect the salary's real value?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $62,700 salary offers excellent purchasing power in West Kentucky, meaning your earnings go further compared to areas with a higher cost of living.
Are there many job opportunities for this role in West Kentucky?
The high concentration (LQ of 6.23) and the number of jobs per 1,000 workers (6.252) suggest a robust and active job market with ample opportunities for skilled individuals in this sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 810 employees in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.252 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 West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area