In Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $38,880. This figure is notably below the national average of $43,570, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as industry demand and the specific manufacturing landscape in Michigan, play a significant role in compensation for this specialized role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,880 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $51,850.
- Outlook: The Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood area boasts a substantial local workforce of 690 individuals in this occupation, coupled with a striking Location Quotient of 6.06. This indicates a highly concentrated and robust demand for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, far exceeding the national average concentration. The presence of 1.238 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the significant employment opportunities available in this sector within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI earns-10.8%below the national average.
$18.7
$748
$3,240
Plating Machine 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 Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Increased demand, technological advancements in plating processes, and a focus on skilled manufacturing labor likely contribute to upward pressure on wages in this field.
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Career progression for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights the value placed on expertise and longevity in this trade.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $32,230 | $15.5 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $29,160 | $14 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $35,760 | $17.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $48,600 | $23.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $51,850 | $24.9 |
Detailed Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,880
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,880
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $38,880 in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is below the national average for the occupation, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the $38,880 earned locally offers a comparable standard of living to what $38,880 would provide elsewhere in the country.
Job Market Context
690
Total Jobs
1.238
Per 1K Jobs
6.06
Location Quotient
Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI has 6.1x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 6.06, Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood presents a highly concentrated market for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. This exceptionally high concentration suggests a specialized regional industry that relies heavily on these skills, making the job market potentially competitive for new entrants but offering strong opportunities for those already established in the field. The abundance of roles relative to the national average indicates a significant demand within the local manufacturing ecosystem.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
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 Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The median annual salary for a Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $38,880. This typically ranges from $32,230 for entry-level positions to $51,850 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 10.8% lower than the national median of $43,570.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a lucrative place for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
No, it is not more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $38,880 is below the national average of $43,570 for this occupation.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a good place to live for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI ($38,340) and Kalamazoo-Portage, MI.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $38,880, which is lower than the national average of $43,570.
What is the concentration of this job in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 6.06, indicating that this occupation is over six times more prevalent in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI compared to the national average.
How does the Cost of Living in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $38,880 salary has the same purchasing power locally as the national average salary does nationally.
Are there many job opportunities for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in this area?
Yes, with 1.238 jobs per 1,000 workers and a high Location Quotient, the demand for these roles is significantly higher than the national average, suggesting abundant opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 690 employees in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area with a job density of 1.238 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- All Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Production Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Management Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Browse All Jobs in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI