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

Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Washington earn an impressive average annual salary of $55,400, significantly outpacing the national average of $43,570. This higher compensation is often driven by the state's robust industrial sector and potentially higher operational costs associated with manufacturing in the region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $55,400 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $79,060.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 390 individuals in this specialized role, Washington demonstrates a notable presence in the metal and plastic plating industry. The Location Quotient of 0.53 suggests that while not exceeding the national concentration, the demand for these skilled professionals is consistent and integral to the state's manufacturing ecosystem.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$55,400

The average Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Washington earns+27.2%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$26.6

Weekly

$1,065

Monthly

$4,617

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

Career progression for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders typically involves gaining experience and mastering advanced techniques, leading to higher earning potential. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive expertise and supervisory responsibilities can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting a significant salary scale based on experience.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$44,930$21.6
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$41,550$20
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$50,840$24.4
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$69,250$33.3
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$79,060$38

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

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$55,400

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$48,132

Adjusted for COL (115.1)

The average annual salary of $55,400 in Washington presents a mixed picture when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 115.1. While the nominal salary is substantially higher than the national average, the elevated cost of living means that the purchasing power of this salary may be closer to, or slightly above, the national average, requiring careful financial planning for residents.

Job Market Context

390

Total Jobs

0.109

Per 1K Jobs

0.53

Location Quotient

Below Average

Washington has 0.53x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.53 indicates that Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders are less concentrated in Washington compared to the national average. This suggests that while the roles are present and necessary, the market may not be saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals entering the field or seeking to advance their careers within the state.

Nearby Job Markets

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

Comparing salaries near Washington

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 Washington?

The median annual salary for a Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Washington is $55,400. This typically ranges from $44,930 for entry-level positions to $79,060 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington is 27.2% higher than the national median of $43,570.

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

Yes, with caveats.Washington offers a higher average salary ($55,400) than the national average, but the cost of living is also notably higher, impacting real disposable income.

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

The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?

Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($54,200) and others.

How does Washington's salary for this role compare to the national average?

The average annual salary in Washington is $55,400, which is significantly higher than the national average of $43,570.

What is the concentration of this job in Washington?

Washington has a Location Quotient of 0.53 for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, meaning the concentration is below the national average.

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

With a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, Washington is more expensive than the national average, meaning the higher salary may not translate to proportionally higher purchasing power.

What is the total number of Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Washington?

There are approximately 390 individuals employed in this role within Washington state.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 390 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 0.109 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.