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Average Tool and Die Makers Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area

Tool and Die Makers in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $55,230. This figure is notably below the national average of $65,000, reflecting regional economic factors and industry demand specific to this locale. The specialized nature of tool and die making, combined with the unique economic landscape of nonmetropolitan Kentucky, influences this compensation structure.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $55,230 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $73,030.
  • Outlook: The job market for Tool and Die Makers in South Central Kentucky appears robust, indicated by a substantial Location Quotient of 3.31. This suggests a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, implying strong local demand. With a total local workforce of 200, this concentration points to a specialized and potentially critical segment of the regional manufacturing economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$55,230

The average Tool and Die Makers in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-15.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$26.6

Weekly

$1,062

Monthly

$4,603

Tool and Die Makers Salary Distribution in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area

Salary progression for Tool and Die Makers typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive expertise in complex tooling and die design can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile distribution of salaries within this region would likely show a widening gap between junior and senior roles, signifying clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$41,570$20
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$41,423$19.9
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$54,200$26.1
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$69,038$33.2
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$73,030$35.1

Detailed Tool and Die Makers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$55,230

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$55,230

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average salary of $55,230 in South Central Kentucky aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is equivalent to the national standard, making it a financially neutral location in terms of cost of living relative to income.

Job Market Context

200

Total Jobs

1.183

Per 1K Jobs

3.31

Location Quotient

Major Hub

South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 3.3x the national concentration of Tool and Die Makers 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 3.31 for Tool and Die Makers in South Central Kentucky is exceptionally high, indicating a market where this profession is over three times more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a strong, specialized demand for these skills within the region, potentially leading to competitive hiring for qualified individuals, despite the lower nominal salary compared to national figures.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Tool and Die Makers

Comparing salaries near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Tool and Die Makerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Tool and Die Makers make in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Tool and Die Makers in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $55,230. This typically ranges from $41,570 for entry-level positions to $73,030 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 15.0% lower than the national median of $65,000.

Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Tool and Die Makerss?

No, not in terms of nominal salary.While the area has a high concentration of Tool and Die Makers, the average salary of $55,230 is significantly lower than the national average of $65,000. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the real purchasing power comparable.

Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Tool and Die Makers?

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 Lexington-Fayette, KY ($74,640) and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN.

How does the local concentration of Tool and Die Makers compare nationally?

The Location Quotient of 3.31 signifies that Tool and Die Makers are more than three times as concentrated in South Central Kentucky compared to the national average, indicating a specialized local industry.

What is the total number of Tool and Die Makers in the area?

There are approximately 200 Tool and Die Makers employed in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.

Does experience impact salary for Tool and Die Makers in this region?

Yes, like most skilled trades, experience significantly influences salary. Senior Tool and Die Makers with advanced skills and a proven track record will earn more than entry-level professionals.

How does the cost of living affect the Tool and Die Maker salary?

The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $55,230 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a more expensive area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.183 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.