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

In Salem, Oregon, Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing, earn an average annual salary of $44,670. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $42,290, indicating a localized premium for these skilled positions. The specific demands and economic landscape of the Salem area likely contribute to this favorable compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $44,670 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $51,360.
  • Outlook: Salem, OR presents a concentrated job market for Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing, with a total local workforce of 210 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.71 signifies a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting robust local demand and a specialized industry presence within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$44,670

The average Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing in Salem, OR earns+5.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$21.5

Weekly

$859

Monthly

$3,723

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

The career trajectory for Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing, typically involves a progression from entry-level roles to more senior positions. As operators gain experience and proficiency, their responsibilities often expand, leading to higher earning potential. The salary distribution across different experience levels, while not detailed here, would show a clear upward trend, with senior operators commanding significantly higher salaries than their junior counterparts, reflecting accumulated expertise and skill.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$36,490$17.5
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$33,503$16.1
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$41,640$20
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$55,838$26.8
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$51,360$24.7

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

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$44,670

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$44,670

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $44,670 in Salem, OR aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Woodworking Machine Setter's salary in Salem is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents without the added pressure of significantly higher or lower living expenses.

Job Market Context

210

Total Jobs

1.114

Per 1K Jobs

2.71

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Salem, OR has 2.7x the national concentration of Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing 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 2.71, Salem, OR demonstrates a substantial concentration of Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing, roles relative to the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially competitive market where employers may actively seek experienced individuals, and job seekers can find a greater number of relevant opportunities compared to less concentrated areas.

Nearby Job Markets

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 Salem, OR?

The median annual salary for a Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing in Salem, OR is $44,670. This typically ranges from $36,490 for entry-level positions to $51,360 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Salem, OR is 5.6% higher than the national median of $42,290.

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

Yes, with a stable cost of living.The average salary of $44,670 is above the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, making it a financially sound location.

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

The Cost of Living Index in Salem, OR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Salem, OR?

Some top paying nearby cities include Albany, OR ($49,530) and Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA.

How does Salem's salary compare to the national average for this role?

Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing, in Salem, OR earn an average of $44,670 annually, which is higher than the national average of $42,290.

What does the Location Quotient of 2.71 mean for job seekers?

A Location Quotient of 2.71 indicates that Salem has a significantly higher concentration of these jobs than the national average, suggesting a strong local industry and potentially more opportunities.

How does the cost of living in Salem affect the salary?

Salem's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $44,670 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offering good value.

Is the job market for Woodworking Machine Setters saturated in Salem?

While the concentration is high (LQ 2.71), indicating a specialized market, the total workforce of 210 suggests a defined, rather than saturated, job pool. Demand appears robust.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Salem, OR area with a job density of 1.114 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.