In the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metropolitan area, Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $45,410. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $43,570, suggesting a localized demand or specialized industry presence that influences compensation. The specific economic drivers within this California region contribute to this slightly elevated pay scale for these essential manufacturing roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,410 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,810.
- Outlook: The San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA job market for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic shows a stable presence with a total local workforce of 300 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.96 indicates that this occupation is nearly as concentrated in San Diego as it is nationally, suggesting a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these specialized skills within the region's manufacturing sector.
Salary Overview
The average Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA earns+4.2%above the national average.
$21.8
$873
$3,784
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in San Diego is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in wages for skilled manufacturing positions over the past four years, mirroring national economic growth and inflation. Increased automation and evolving production techniques likely contribute to a steady or growing demand for operators who can manage and maintain plating machinery, potentially leading to incremental salary increases.
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
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 senior operators with extensive knowledge of different plating processes, materials, and quality control standards can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight these opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $35,290 | $17 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $34,058 | $16.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $45,250 | $21.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $56,763 | $27.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $57,810 | $27.8 |
Detailed Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,410
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,410
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $45,410 in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in this region is comparable to the national average, indicating that while the salary is slightly above the national average for the occupation, the cost of living does not present a significant disadvantage or advantage.
Job Market Context
300
Total Jobs
0.197
Per 1K Jobs
0.96
Location Quotient
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA has 0.96x the national average concentration of Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.96, the job market for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is neither significantly over- nor under-represented compared to the national average. This suggests a balanced market where opportunities exist, but the concentration of these roles is not exceptionally high, implying a steady but not booming demand for these professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary | $44,560↓ 2% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
The median annual salary for a Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is $45,410. This typically ranges from $35,290 for entry-level positions to $57,810 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is 4.2% higher than the national median of $43,570.
Is San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA a lucrative place for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Yes, slightly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $45,410 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it a stable earning environment.
Is San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA a good place to live for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($44,560) and others.
What is the average salary for a Plating Machine Setter in San Diego?
The average annual salary for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area is $45,410.
How does the San Diego salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in San Diego ($45,410) is slightly higher than the national average ($43,570) for this occupation.
Is there high demand for Plating Machine Operators in San Diego?
The demand is steady, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.96, meaning the concentration of these jobs is close to the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego for this role?
The Cost of Living Index in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is 100, which is the national average, meaning your salary has average purchasing power.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 300 employees in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area with a job density of 0.197 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 San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA