In the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area, Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $46,420. This figure is slightly below the national average of $48,590, a common occurrence in regions with a lower cost of living. Local economic factors and industry demand play a significant role in shaping compensation within this specific geographic labor market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $46,420 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,330.
- Outlook: The West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area supports a local workforce of 250 individuals in this specialized field. With a Location Quotient of 2.28, indicating a concentration more than double the national average, there is a clear and robust demand for these skilled professionals. The presence of nearly 2 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the stability and importance of this sector within the regional economy.
Salary Overview
The average Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-4.5%below the national average.
$22.3
$893
$3,868
Multiple Machine Tool 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 Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders in West Kentucky have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for manufactured goods, and the need for specialized skills in metal and plastic fabrication.
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall below the $46,420 average, while senior operators with extensive expertise and specialized certifications can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps represent clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $31,790 | $15.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $34,815 | $16.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $46,020 | $22.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $58,025 | $27.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $57,330 | $27.6 |
Detailed Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$46,420
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$46,420
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $46,420 in West Kentucky aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents without the added pressure of higher living expenses.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
1.922
Per 1K Jobs
2.28
Location Quotient
West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 2.3x the national concentration of Multiple Machine Tool 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 2.28 for Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders in West Kentucky signifies a substantial concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This indicates a highly specialized and potentially competitive job market where employers actively seek out individuals with these specific skills, suggesting a strong demand relative to the national landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Multiple Machine Tool 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 Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $46,420. This typically ranges from $31,790 for entry-level positions to $57,330 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 4.5% lower than the national median of $48,590.
Is West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, it offers good value.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is equivalent. The high concentration of these jobs (LQ 2.28) indicates strong local demand.
Is West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Multiple Machine Tool 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 ($52,850) and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN.
How does the West Kentucky salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary in West Kentucky for this role is $46,420, which is slightly lower than the national average of $48,590.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in West Kentucky?
An LQ of 2.28 means that Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders are more than twice as concentrated in West Kentucky compared to the national average, indicating a strong local industry presence.
Does the cost of living affect the salary competitiveness in West Kentucky?
No, the cost of living in West Kentucky is at the national average (100), meaning the $46,420 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it competitive in real terms.
How many Machine Tool Setter jobs are there per 1,000 workers in West Kentucky?
There are approximately 1.922 jobs per 1,000 workers in this field within the West Kentucky 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 250 employees in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.922 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 West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area