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Average Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing Salary in California

Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing in California earn an average annual salary of $45,280. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $42,290, indicating a modest premium for these roles within the state. Factors such as California's robust manufacturing sector and potentially higher operational costs likely contribute to this elevated compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $45,280 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,510.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,440 individuals in this specific role, California demonstrates a notable presence in this skilled trade. The Location Quotient of 0.46 suggests that while the state employs a significant number of these workers, the concentration is below the national average, implying a steady but not overwhelmingly saturated demand.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$45,280

The average Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing in California earns+7.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$21.8

Weekly

$871

Monthly

$3,773

Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing Salary Distribution in California

Salary progression for Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing typically scales 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. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career advancement and the increasing value of expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$37,380$18
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$33,960$16.3
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$45,020$21.6
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$56,600$27.2
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$56,510$27.2

Detailed Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$45,280

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$32,693

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

The average annual salary of $45,280 in California must be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This index, significantly above the national average of 100, means that while the nominal salary is higher, the purchasing power of that income is reduced due to increased expenses for housing, goods, and services.

Job Market Context

3,440

Total Jobs

0.19

Per 1K Jobs

0.46

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.46x, California has a notably lower concentration of Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.

A Location Quotient of 0.46 indicates that Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing are less concentrated in California compared to the national average. This suggests that while the state has a substantial number of these jobs, the market is not saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals without intense competition.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing

Comparing salaries near California

Hiring Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawings?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing make in California?

The median annual salary for a Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing in California is $45,280. This typically ranges from $37,380 for entry-level positions to $56,510 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 7.1% higher than the national median of $42,290.

Is California a lucrative place for Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawings?

Yes, with caveats.California offers a slightly higher average salary than the national average for these roles. However, the significantly higher cost of living means that the real value of this salary is diminished compared to more affordable regions.

Is California a good place to live for Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawings?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near California?

Some top paying nearby cities include Fresno, CA ($39,610) and others.

How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?

With 0.19 jobs per 1,000 workers, California's rate for Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing is below the national average, reinforcing the idea that while jobs exist, the market isn't overly dense.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ)?

An LQ of 0.46 means that this occupation is less common in California relative to the national average. This can imply either a specialized industry presence or a lower overall demand compared to other states.

How does experience impact salary for this role in California?

Experienced Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing typically earn more than entry-level workers. Salary increases are generally tied to skill development, efficiency, and the ability to operate more complex machinery.

Should I consider the cost of living when evaluating a job offer in California?

Absolutely. The high cost of living in California means that a higher nominal salary is necessary to maintain a similar standard of living as in a lower-cost state. Always compare net income after expenses.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,440 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.19 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.