In the Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area, Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $40,530. This figure is slightly below the national average of $43,570, a difference that can be attributed to the specific economic landscape and industry concentration within this region. The localized demand and available workforce significantly influence compensation levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,530 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,590.
- Outlook: The job market for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in the Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 280 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 6.45 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong regional demand and a specialized industrial base.
Salary Overview
The average Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area earns-7.0%below the national average.
$19.5
$779
$3,378
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for skilled trades like Plating Machine Setters have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This upward trajectory is likely driven by the ongoing need for manufacturing expertise and the increasing complexity of production processes.
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically involves a salary increase with accumulated experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with specialized skills and years of service can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in salary distributions clearly signify these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $25,800 | $12.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $30,398 | $14.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $36,980 | $17.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $50,663 | $24.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $56,590 | $27.2 |
Detailed Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,530
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,530
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $40,530 in the Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the nominal income translates effectively into real economic value within the local context.
Job Market Context
280
Total Jobs
1.317
Per 1K Jobs
6.45
Location Quotient
Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area has 6.5x 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.
The Location Quotient of 6.45 for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in the Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that the region has a disproportionately large number of these roles relative to the national average, suggesting a specialized industrial ecosystem and potentially high demand for skilled workers in this specific occupation.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
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 Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area is $40,530. This typically ranges from $25,800 for entry-level positions to $56,590 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area is 7.0% lower than the national median of $43,570.
Is Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the concentration of these jobs is very high, the average salary of $40,530 is slightly below the national average of $43,570. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the real value of the salary comparable.
Is Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN ($43,420) and Columbus, IN.
How does the local workforce size impact job prospects?
A local workforce of 280 suggests a stable, established presence of these roles, indicating consistent demand and opportunities for those seeking employment in this field within the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 6.45 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 6.45 means this area has over six times the national concentration of Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs, indicating a specialized and potentially competitive market.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $40,530 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average, meaning expenses for housing, goods, and services are typical.
Are there opportunities for career growth in this role?
Yes, like most skilled positions, experience typically leads to higher salaries, with significant pay increases possible as one moves from entry-level to senior operator roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 280 employees in the Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.317 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area