Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Kentucky earn an impressive average annual salary of $60,440, significantly surpassing the national average of $49,270. This elevated pay is largely driven by the state's robust industrial sector and a concentrated demand for skilled metal fabrication professionals, making Kentucky a prime location for these specialized roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $60,440 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $73,720.
- Outlook: The job market for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Kentucky appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 2,400 individuals. The high Location Quotient of 5.11 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs in Kentucky compared to the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand within the state's industries.
Salary Overview
The average Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Kentucky earns+22.7%above the national average.
$29.1
$1,162
$5,037
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Kentucky have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing industrial output, demand for specialized skills, and inflation likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory for professionals in this field within the state.
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary Distribution in Kentucky
Career progression for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Kentucky typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and higher earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $42,420 | $20.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $45,330 | $21.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $57,590 | $27.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $75,550 | $36.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $73,720 | $35.4 |
Detailed Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$60,440
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$67,305
Adjusted for COL (89.8)
The average annual salary of $60,440 in Kentucky presents a highly favorable financial situation when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 89.8. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that the purchasing power of a Kentucky-based welder's salary is greater than their national counterparts, allowing for a higher standard of living on average.
Job Market Context
2,400
Total Jobs
1.203
Per 1K Jobs
5.11
Location Quotient
Kentucky has 5.1x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 5.11, Kentucky exhibits a highly concentrated market for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders. This signifies that these roles are disproportionately prevalent in Kentucky compared to the rest of the United States, indicating a strong demand and potentially a competitive environment for employers seeking skilled labor, while offering ample opportunities for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders make in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for a Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Kentucky is $60,440. This typically ranges from $42,420 for entry-level positions to $73,720 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kentucky is 22.7% higher than the national median of $49,270.
Is Kentucky a lucrative place for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenderss?
Yes, Kentucky offers a lucrative environment for these professionals.The average salary significantly exceeds the national average, and the lower cost of living further enhances earning potential and quality of life.
Is Kentucky a good place to live for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kentucky?
Some top paying nearby cities include Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN ($47,560) and Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN.
How does Kentucky's average salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Kentucky is $60,440, which is substantially higher than the national average of $49,270.
What does the Location Quotient of 5.11 mean for this profession in Kentucky?
A Location Quotient of 5.11 indicates that jobs for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders are over five times more concentrated in Kentucky than the national average, suggesting high demand.
How does the cost of living in Kentucky affect the welder's salary?
Kentucky's Cost of Living Index of 89.8 is below the national average, meaning that the $60,440 salary provides greater purchasing power and a better standard of living for welders in the state.
What is the total number of these jobs in Kentucky?
There are approximately 2,400 Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders employed in Kentucky, representing 1.203 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,400 employees in the Kentucky area with a job density of 1.203 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 Kentucky