SalaryNode

Average Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary in California

In California, Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $46,920. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $43,570, indicating a premium for these roles within the state. Factors such as a robust manufacturing sector and higher operational costs likely contribute to this elevated compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $46,920 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,090.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 5,580 individuals in this specialized field, California demonstrates a significant concentration of Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders. The Location Quotient of 1.51 strongly suggests that this profession is more prevalent in California than the national average, pointing towards a healthy and potentially growing demand for these skilled workers within the state's industrial landscape.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$46,920

The average Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California earns+7.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$22.6

Weekly

$902

Monthly

$3,910

Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in California

Career progression for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in California typically involves a salary increase commensurate with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive expertise and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting their value and contribution to operational efficiency and quality.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$36,250$17.4
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$35,190$16.9
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$46,370$22.3
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$58,650$28.2
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$58,090$27.9

Detailed Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$46,920

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$33,877

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

While the average annual salary of $46,920 in California is attractive, it's crucial to consider the state's Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that everyday expenses are approximately 38.5% higher than the national average. Therefore, the purchasing power of the $46,920 salary may be somewhat diminished when compared to states with a lower cost of living, requiring careful financial planning for residents.

Job Market Context

5,580

Total Jobs

0.309

Per 1K Jobs

1.51

Location Quotient

Major Hub

California has 1.5x the national concentration of Plating Machine 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.

California's Location Quotient of 1.51 for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders signifies a market where this profession is 51% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a robust and active job market for these roles, indicating that employers are actively seeking and employing a higher proportion of these specialists compared to other states, potentially leading to more job opportunities and competitive hiring.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Comparing salaries near California

Hiring Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in California?

The median annual salary for a Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California is $46,920. This typically ranges from $36,250 for entry-level positions to $58,090 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 7.7% higher than the national median of $43,570.

Is California a lucrative place for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?

Yes, California offers a lucrative environment for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics.The average salary of $46,920 significantly exceeds the national average, and the high concentration of these roles (LQ of 1.51) indicates strong demand within the state.

Is California a good place to live for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near California?

Some top paying nearby cities include Fresno, CA ($41,560) and Bakersfield-Delano, CA.

How does California's average salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in California is $46,920, which is $3,350 higher than the national average of $43,570.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in California?

A Location Quotient of 1.51 means that Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are 51% more concentrated in California's workforce compared to the national average, indicating a higher prevalence and demand for these roles in the state.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in California?

With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, California is significantly more expensive than the national average. This means that the $46,920 salary may have less purchasing power than it would in a lower-cost state.

What is the total number of Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic employed in California?

There are approximately 5,580 Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic employed in California, reflecting a substantial workforce in this specialized manufacturing sector.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,580 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.309 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.