In Wichita, KS, Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $42,680. This figure is slightly below the national average of $43,570, a common occurrence in regions with a cost of living that aligns precisely with the national benchmark. Local economic factors and industry demand in Wichita play a significant role in shaping this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,680 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,670.
- Outlook: The job market for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Wichita, KS, shows a notable concentration, with a Location Quotient of 4.03, indicating a significantly higher presence of these roles compared to the national average. Despite a total local workforce of 250 in this specific occupation, the high concentration suggests a robust demand and a specialized local industry that relies heavily on these skilled professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Wichita, KS earns-2.0%below the national average.
$20.5
$821
$3,557
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Wichita is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national economic growth and inflation. This growth is often driven by increased demand for manufactured goods and the need for skilled labor to operate specialized machinery.
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Wichita, KS
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 complex machinery, quality control, and troubleshooting can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $36,400 | $17.5 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $32,010 | $15.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $39,100 | $18.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $53,350 | $25.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $58,670 | $28.2 |
Detailed Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,680
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,680
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal salary of $42,680 in Wichita, KS, holds its value effectively due to the local Cost of Living Index being exactly at the national average of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is comparable to the national standard, allowing residents to maintain a similar lifestyle in terms of housing, goods, and services as the average American.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
0.824
Per 1K Jobs
4.03
Location Quotient
Wichita, KS has 4.0x 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.
Wichita, KS, presents a highly concentrated market for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 4.03. This signifies that the industry is more than four times as prevalent in Wichita than the national average, suggesting a specialized manufacturing sector or a cluster of businesses heavily reliant on this specific skill set, potentially leading to competitive opportunities for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary | $44,890↑ 5% | 67 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wichita, KS
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 Wichita, KS?
The median annual salary for a Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Wichita, KS is $42,680. This typically ranges from $36,400 for entry-level positions to $58,670 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wichita, KS is 2.0% lower than the national median of $43,570.
Is Wichita, KS a lucrative place for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Moderately lucrative, with strong concentration.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the extremely high concentration (LQ of 4.03) indicates a specialized and potentially stable job market within Wichita.
Is Wichita, KS a good place to live for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Wichita, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wichita, KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kansas nonmetropolitan area ($44,890) and others.
How does Wichita's cost of living compare to the national average for this role?
Wichita's cost of living is exactly at the national average (100), meaning your $42,680 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a national average cost of living area.
What does the Location Quotient (LQ) of 4.03 mean for job seekers?
An LQ of 4.03 indicates that Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are significantly more concentrated in Wichita than nationally. This suggests a strong local industry presence and potentially more job opportunities relative to other locations.
How many Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic work in Wichita?
There are approximately 250 Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic employed in the Wichita, KS area.
Is the salary for this role in Wichita higher or lower than the national average?
The average annual salary of $42,680 in Wichita is slightly lower than the national average of $43,570 for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the Wichita, KS area with a job density of 0.824 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 Wichita, KS