In Columbia, SC, Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $45,300. This figure is slightly below the national average of $48,590, a common occurrence in regions where the cost of living aligns perfectly with the national benchmark. Local economic factors and industry demand play a crucial role in shaping this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,300 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $63,720.
- Outlook: The job market for Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Columbia, SC, appears stable with a local workforce of 280 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.86 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, indicating a steady but not overwhelmingly saturated demand for these skilled professionals within the state's manufacturing sector.
Salary Overview
The average Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Columbia, SC earns-6.8%below the national average.
$21.8
$871
$3,775
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Columbia is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns in manufacturing and skilled trades. Economic growth and evolving industry needs typically drive modest annual salary increases for experienced machine tool operators.
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC
Salary progression for Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Columbia, SC, is significantly influenced by experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive experience, certifications, and the ability to manage complex machinery command higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles of the $45,300 average.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $34,930 | $16.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $33,975 | $16.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $39,780 | $19.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $56,625 | $27.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $63,720 | $30.6 |
Detailed Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,300
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,300
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $45,300 in Columbia, SC, is perfectly balanced by the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which matches the national average. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power directly against the national standard, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of real income for those relocating.
Job Market Context
280
Total Jobs
0.726
Per 1K Jobs
0.86
Location Quotient
Columbia, SC has 0.86x the national average concentration of Multiple Machine Tool 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 0.86, Columbia, SC, exhibits a job market for Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders that is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand relative to the available workforce, implying that skilled individuals may find opportunities without facing intense competition, though the market is not exceptionally abundant.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Columbia, SC
Hiring Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in Columbia, SC?
The median annual salary for a Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Columbia, SC is $45,300. This typically ranges from $34,930 for entry-level positions to $63,720 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 6.8% lower than the national median of $48,590.
Is Columbia, SC a lucrative place for Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $45,300 is below the national average of $48,590, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbia, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Columbia, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($40,300) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
What is the average salary for a Machine Tool Setter in Columbia, SC?
The average annual salary for Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Columbia, SC is approximately $45,300.
How does Columbia, SC's cost of living compare to the national average?
Columbia, SC has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning it is neither significantly more nor less expensive to live there than the typical US city.
Is there high demand for Machine Tool Operators in Columbia, SC?
The Location Quotient of 0.86 indicates a demand slightly below the national average concentration, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand for these roles.
How many Machine Tool jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Columbia, SC?
There are approximately 0.726 jobs per 1,000 workers for Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Columbia, SC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 280 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 0.726 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Columbia, SC