In the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area, Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders earn an average annual salary of $43,640. This figure is notably below the national average of $51,750, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a lower demand for specialized roles in non-urban settings. The local pay scale is thus influenced by the specific economic landscape of this particular region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $43,640 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $50,500.
- Outlook: The job market for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Southeast Iowa appears moderately concentrated, with a total local workforce of 290 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.31 significantly exceeds the national average, indicating a higher prevalence of these roles within the local economy compared to the rest of the country. This suggests a stable, albeit niche, demand for these skilled positions within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-15.7%below the national average.
$21
$839
$3,637
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Southeast Iowa is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national economic patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased automation in manufacturing, and evolving industry demands likely contribute to incremental salary increases for skilled machine operators and tenders.
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary Distribution in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders typically scales with experience and specialized skill sets. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive knowledge of complex machinery and troubleshooting capabilities command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within this occupation.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $35,150 | $16.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $32,730 | $15.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $37,790 | $18.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $54,550 | $26.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $50,500 | $24.3 |
Detailed Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$43,640
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,640
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $43,640 in Southeast Iowa aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary may be lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income locally is comparable to the national standard. Therefore, the $43,640 salary offers a standard of living equivalent to the national average in terms of expenses.
Job Market Context
290
Total Jobs
1.451
Per 1K Jobs
2.31
Location Quotient
Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 2.3x 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.
A Location Quotient of 2.31 for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Southeast Iowa signifies a substantial concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This indicates that the region has a significantly higher proportion of these roles within its workforce, suggesting a specialized local industry or a strong presence of manufacturing facilities requiring these skills. The market is therefore more abundant in opportunities for this specific occupation compared to the national landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary | $53,200↑ 22% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary | $69,700↑ 60% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenderss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders make in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $43,640. This typically ranges from $35,150 for entry-level positions to $50,500 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 15.7% lower than the national median of $51,750.
Is Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenderss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $43,640 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par. The high concentration of jobs suggests local demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?
The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA ($53,200) and Cedar Rapids, IA.
How does the local workforce size impact job prospects?
A local workforce of 290 indicates a relatively small but established pool of professionals in this role within Southeast Iowa, suggesting a stable job market for experienced individuals.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.31 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 2.31 means this occupation is more than twice as common in Southeast Iowa as it is nationally, indicating a higher concentration of demand and potentially more specialized opportunities.
How does the cost of living affect the $43,640 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $43,640 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical American city.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience?
Yes, experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level positions earning less and senior operators with advanced skills and responsibilities earning considerably more, reflecting a clear career growth trajectory.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.451 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Management Occupations Salary in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area