In the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area, Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $48,410. This figure is slightly below the national average of $50,940, a common trend in nonmetropolitan regions where localized economic factors and industry concentration can influence compensation levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $48,410 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.8% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,290.
- Outlook: The job market for Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in South Central Kentucky is notably concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 9.59, indicating a significantly higher presence of these roles compared to the national average. While the total local workforce of 240 is modest, the high concentration suggests a robust demand within the region's manufacturing sector, making it a key area for this specific occupation.
Salary Overview
The average Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-5.0%below the national average.
$23.3
$931
$4,034
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in South Central Kentucky is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national economic patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for manufactured goods, and advancements in machinery likely contribute to a gradual but steady growth in compensation for skilled machine operators and tenders.
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically scales with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with expertise in complex machinery, quality control, and troubleshooting can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles, reflecting their value and accumulated skill.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $36,670 | $17.6 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $36,308 | $17.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $47,480 | $22.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $60,513 | $29.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $61,290 | $29.5 |
Detailed Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$48,410
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,410
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $48,410 in South Central Kentucky aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the nominal pay is slightly lower than the national average, the cost of living does not present a disadvantage for residents.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
1.39
Per 1K Jobs
9.59
Location Quotient
South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 9.6x the national concentration of Rolling 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.
With a Location Quotient of 9.59, South Central Kentucky exhibits a highly concentrated market for Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. This indicates that the region has a disproportionately large number of these jobs relative to the national average, suggesting a specialized industrial base and potentially less competition for skilled workers within this specific field compared to broader manufacturing roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $48,410. This typically ranges from $36,670 for entry-level positions to $61,290 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 5.0% lower than the national median of $50,940.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
It is a specialized, not necessarily lucrative, place.While the salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, and the job concentration is exceptionally high, indicating strong regional demand.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN ($50,500) and Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 240 suggests a smaller, more specialized labor pool. While the total number is not large, the high concentration (LQ 9.59) indicates these roles are critical to the regional economy.
What does a Location Quotient of 9.59 mean for this job?
A Location Quotient of 9.59 signifies that Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are nearly ten times more concentrated in South Central Kentucky than the national average, pointing to a strong industry presence.
How does the cost of living impact the $48,410 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $48,410 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average. This means the slightly lower nominal salary is offset by comparable living expenses.
What are the typical career paths for Rolling Machine Setters?
Career paths often involve advancing from entry-level operator roles to setter and tender positions, requiring increased skill in machine setup and maintenance. Further progression could lead to supervisory or quality control roles within manufacturing.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.39 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area