In the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA metropolitan area, Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic professionals earn an average annual salary of $52,680. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $43,570, indicating a robust local demand for these specialized skills. The higher compensation is likely driven by the region's strong industrial base and the specialized nature of metal and plastic finishing operations.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $52,680 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $62,660.
- Outlook: The local job market for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, appears to be quite strong. With a total local workforce of 580 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 2.52, the concentration of these jobs is more than double the national average. This suggests a healthy demand and a specialized industrial ecosystem that relies heavily on this particular skill set.
Salary Overview
The average Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA earns+20.9%above the national average.
$25.3
$1,013
$4,390
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 San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA have seen consistent growth over the past four years. Economic factors, inflation, and increasing demand for manufactured goods typically drive upward salary trends in specialized manufacturing roles, especially in high-cost-of-living areas.
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Career progression for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles with increased responsibilities and expertise. As individuals gain experience, their ability to operate complex machinery, troubleshoot issues, and manage quality control processes becomes more valuable, leading to higher earning potential. The salary distribution across experience levels would show a clear upward trend, with senior technicians commanding significantly higher salaries than those just starting out.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $40,920 | $19.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $39,510 | $19 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $50,440 | $24.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $65,850 | $31.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $62,660 | $30.1 |
Detailed Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$52,680
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$52,680
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $52,680 in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average. Therefore, individuals relocating to this area should expect their earnings to cover standard living expenses without a significant premium or discount compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
580
Total Jobs
0.515
Per 1K Jobs
2.52
Location Quotient
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA has 2.5x 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 2.52 for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that the region has a significantly larger proportion of these jobs relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average. Such a high concentration suggests a specialized industrial demand and potentially a competitive environment for skilled workers in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
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 San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median annual salary for a Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $52,680. This typically ranges from $40,920 for entry-level positions to $62,660 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is 20.9% higher than the national median of $43,570.
Is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA a lucrative place for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation relative to the national average.The average salary of $52,680 is notably higher than the national average of $43,570. Combined with a cost of living index at the national average, this makes the area financially attractive for these roles.
Is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA a good place to live for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA ($52,010) and Stockton-Lodi, CA.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 580 suggests a substantial pool of professionals in this role, indicating a stable and established industry presence in the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.52 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 2.52 means the concentration of Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs is 2.52 times higher than the national average, indicating strong local demand.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $52,680 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning the higher nominal wage is balanced by typical living expenses.
Are there many job opportunities for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in this area?
Yes, the high Location Quotient and a dedicated local workforce of 580 suggest a robust and concentrated job market for these specialized roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 580 employees in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area with a job density of 0.515 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 Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA