In Wichita, KS, Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $39,340. This figure is below the national average of $43,940, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand contribute to this compensation level. The cost of living in Wichita, however, aligns perfectly with the national average, meaning the nominal salary's purchasing power is standard.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,340 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,600.
- Outlook: The job market for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Wichita, KS, shows a moderate concentration with a total local workforce of 230 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.75 indicates that this profession is slightly less prevalent in Wichita compared to the national average. While not a high-demand hub, the presence of a dedicated workforce suggests ongoing opportunities within the local manufacturing sector.
Salary Overview
The average Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Wichita, KS earns-10.5%below the national average.
$18.9
$757
$3,278
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Wichita is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for skilled manufacturing positions like Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This upward trend is typical for roles requiring specialized operational skills and experience.
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Wichita, KS
Career progression for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles. As experience increases, professionals can expect their salaries to rise, reflecting a greater depth of knowledge, efficiency, and ability to handle complex machinery or quality control. The percentile gaps in salary data, if available, would clearly signify these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $31,060 | $14.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $29,505 | $14.2 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $37,660 | $18.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $49,175 | $23.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $46,600 | $22.4 |
Detailed Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,340
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,340
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $39,340 in Wichita, KS, is directly comparable to the national average given the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary in Wichita is equivalent to the national average, making relocation financially neutral from a cost-of-living perspective. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the stable cost of living ensures that the real value of the earnings remains consistent.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
0.753
Per 1K Jobs
0.75
Location Quotient
Wichita, KS has 0.75x the national average concentration of Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.75, the market for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Wichita, KS, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present, it may not be a primary driver of the local economy, potentially leading to a more moderate level of competition for open positions. Employers may find a slightly smaller pool of specialized talent compared to more concentrated national areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary | $39,510↑ 0% | 67 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wichita, KS
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 Wichita, KS?
The median annual salary for a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Wichita, KS is $39,340. This typically ranges from $31,060 for entry-level positions to $46,600 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wichita, KS is 10.5% lower than the national median of $43,940.
Is Wichita, KS a lucrative place for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $39,340 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par. The lower concentration (LQ of 0.75) also suggests it's not a primary hub for this profession.
Is Wichita, KS a good place to live for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Wichita, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wichita, KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kansas nonmetropolitan area ($39,510) and others.
How does the Wichita salary compare to the national average?
The average salary of $39,340 in Wichita is approximately 10.6% lower than the national average of $43,940 for this role.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 0.75?
An LQ of 0.75 means that this profession is 25% less concentrated in Wichita compared to the national average, indicating a smaller presence relative to other industries or locations.
Does the cost of living in Wichita affect the salary's value?
No, the cost of living in Wichita is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $39,340 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary would in a typical US city.
What does the total local workforce number of 230 imply?
A workforce of 230 indicates a specialized but not massive segment of the local labor market dedicated to these specific metal and plastic casting operations.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Wichita, KS area with a job density of 0.753 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 Wichita, KS