In the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metropolitan area, Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders earn an average annual salary of $51,050. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $49,270, indicating a localized premium for these skilled positions. The robust industrial and manufacturing base within the region likely contributes to this higher compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $51,050 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,210.
- Outlook: The local job market for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, appears robust. With a total local workforce of 330 individuals in this role, and a significant Location Quotient of 3.49, the demand for these professionals is considerably higher than the national concentration. This suggests a strong and stable employment landscape for those in this trade within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns+3.6%above the national average.
$24.6
$982
$4,254
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for skilled trades over the past four years, mirroring national economic patterns. Increased demand for manufacturing and infrastructure projects typically drives wage growth in these essential occupations.
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Career progression for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record 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) | $35,360 | $17 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $38,288 | $18.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $51,260 | $24.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $63,813 | $30.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $61,210 | $29.4 |
Detailed Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$51,050
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$51,050
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $51,050 in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial proposition for individuals considering relocation to the area.
Job Market Context
330
Total Jobs
0.822
Per 1K Jobs
3.49
Location Quotient
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 3.5x the national concentration of Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 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 3.49 for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that the demand for these specific skills is substantially greater in this metropolitan area compared to the national average, suggesting a competitive environment for employers seeking qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $51,050. This typically ranges from $35,360 for entry-level positions to $61,210 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 3.6% higher than the national median of $49,270.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenderss?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation and high local demand.The average salary of $51,050 is higher than the national average, and the strong Location Quotient of 3.49 indicates a significant concentration of these jobs, suggesting good career prospects.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($55,790) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Des Moines-West Des Moines salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $51,050, which is higher than the national average of $49,270.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
An LQ of 3.49 means that the concentration of Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 3.49 times higher than the national average, indicating strong local demand.
How does the cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $51,050 salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the local workforce size suggest about job availability?
A local workforce of 330 in this role, combined with a high LQ, suggests a stable and potentially growing job market with ample opportunities for skilled workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 330 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 0.822 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA