Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $62,110, significantly outpacing the national average of $51,750. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the specialized nature of the role and the specific industrial demands within this region, which necessitate a higher pay scale to attract and retain skilled labor.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $62,110 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $81,220.
- Outlook: The job market for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in West Kentucky appears robust, with a total local workforce of 460 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 5.7 indicates a strong concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable and potentially growing demand for these specialized skills within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns+20.0%above the national average.
$29.9
$1,194
$5,176
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in West Kentucky have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and the increasing value placed on skilled manufacturing labor. This upward trajectory likely reflects both inflation adjustments and a strengthening regional demand for these essential roles.
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary Distribution in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive expertise and specialized certifications can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The observable gaps between salary percentiles clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $49,440 | $23.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $46,583 | $22.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $60,420 | $29 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $77,638 | $37.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $81,220 | $39 |
Detailed Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$62,110
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$62,110
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $62,110 in West Kentucky is particularly attractive when considered against the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary earned in this region is equivalent to the national standard, allowing individuals to maintain a comparable lifestyle without the financial strain often associated with higher-paying, high-cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
460
Total Jobs
3.584
Per 1K Jobs
5.7
Location Quotient
West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area 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.
The Location Quotient (LQ) of 5.7 for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in West Kentucky is a significant indicator of a highly concentrated job market. An LQ substantially above 1.0 suggests that this region has a disproportionately large number of these jobs relative to its overall workforce compared to the nation. This indicates a strong, specialized demand and potentially a competitive environment for skilled workers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary | $52,350↓ 16% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary | $52,590↓ 15% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Kentucky 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 West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $62,110. This typically ranges from $49,440 for entry-level positions to $81,220 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 20.0% higher than the national median of $51,750.
Is West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenderss?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative area for this profession.The average salary significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering excellent purchasing power. The high concentration of these jobs further indicates strong regional demand.
Is West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?
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 Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN ($52,350) and Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN.
How does the West Kentucky salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary in West Kentucky is $62,110, which is over $10,000 higher than the national average of $51,750.
What does the Location Quotient of 5.7 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 5.7 signifies that Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders are much more concentrated in West Kentucky than the national average, indicating a strong regional specialization and demand for these roles.
Is the cost of living high in West Kentucky?
No, the Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning your earnings will have standard purchasing power.
How many Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders work in West Kentucky?
There are approximately 460 Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders employed in 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 460 employees in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.584 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 West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area