Average Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
In Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders earn an average annual salary of $50,200. This figure is slightly below the national average of $51,750, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and industry concentration. The specific demands and labor market dynamics within the Kalamazoo-Portage area play a crucial role in shaping this salary benchmark.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $50,200 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,000.
- Outlook: The job market for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, appears robust, with a total local workforce of 430 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 5.72 signifies a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a specialized industry presence that supports a stable employment landscape for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI earns-3.0%below the national average.
$24.1
$965
$4,183
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders over the past four years, mirroring national economic growth and inflation. This progression is typically driven by increased demand for paper products, advancements in machinery requiring skilled operators, and the general need to retain experienced personnel in a competitive labor market.
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary Distribution in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
Salary progression for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in compensation clearly signify career progression, rewarding increased expertise, efficiency, and responsibility within the role.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,990 | $18.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $37,650 | $18.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $49,110 | $23.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $62,750 | $30.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $61,000 | $29.3 |
Detailed Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$50,200
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$50,200
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $50,200 in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, 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 is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in the area is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage when compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
430
Total Jobs
3.594
Per 1K Jobs
5.72
Location Quotient
Kalamazoo-Portage, MI has 5.7x the national concentration of Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 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 5.72, Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, exhibits a highly concentrated market for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders. This indicates that these roles are significantly more prevalent in this region than the national average, suggesting a specialized industrial base and potentially a more competitive environment for both employers seeking talent and job seekers looking for opportunities within this specific sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Niles, MI Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary | $45,480↓ 9% | 45 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders make in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
The median annual salary for a Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is $50,200. This typically ranges from $38,990 for entry-level positions to $61,000 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 3.0% lower than the national median of $51,750.
Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI a lucrative place for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenderss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the average salary of $50,200 is competitive, it is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering no additional purchasing power benefit.
Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI a good place to live for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?
The Cost of Living Index in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Niles, MI ($45,480) and others.
How does the local workforce size impact job prospects?
A local workforce of 430 indicates a substantial presence of these roles, suggesting a stable job market with ongoing opportunities for skilled individuals within the Kalamazoo-Portage area.
What does a Location Quotient of 5.72 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 5.72 signifies that Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders are much more common in Kalamazoo-Portage than nationally, indicating a specialized industry and potentially more job openings relative to the general labor market.
How does the cost of living affect the $50,200 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $50,200 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, meaning expenses for housing, food, and transportation are typical.
Are there many job opportunities for this role in Kalamazoo-Portage?
Yes, the high concentration (Location Quotient of 5.72) suggests a strong demand and a significant number of available positions relative to other regions, making it a notable hub for this profession.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 430 employees in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI area with a job density of 3.594 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI