Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $35,350. This figure is notably below the national average of $42,290. The lower compensation in this region can often be attributed to a combination of factors including local economic conditions, the specific industry concentration, and the overall cost of labor within nonmetropolitan areas.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,350 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,150.
- Outlook: The job market for Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing in Western North Carolina is characterized by a concentrated workforce, evidenced by a Location Quotient of 3.6, significantly higher than the national benchmark of 1.0. While the total local workforce of 380 individuals suggests a niche employment landscape, the high concentration indicates a strong demand relative to the national average, pointing towards a robust, albeit specialized, job market.
Salary Overview
The average Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-16.4%below the national average.
$17
$680
$2,946
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth for Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for skilled labor, and regional economic development initiatives likely contribute to incremental salary increases within this sector.
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing Salary Distribution in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing typically scales with experience and skill acquisition. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with expertise in complex machinery, quality control, and operational efficiency can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression opportunities, rewarding those who advance their capabilities and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $28,000 | $13.5 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $26,513 | $12.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $34,970 | $16.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $44,188 | $21.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $45,150 | $21.7 |
Detailed Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,350
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,350
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $35,350 in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the lower nominal wage is offset by a balanced cost of living.
Job Market Context
380
Total Jobs
1.478
Per 1K Jobs
3.6
Location Quotient
Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area has 3.6x 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 3.6, the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area exhibits a substantial concentration of Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing compared to the national average. This high quotient suggests that the region is a significant hub for this specific occupation, indicating a competitive market where employers may actively seek out skilled individuals, and job seekers have a relatively abundant opportunity pool.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
Comparing salaries near Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
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 Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $35,350. This typically ranges from $28,000 for entry-level positions to $45,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 16.4% lower than the national median of $42,290.
Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawings?
No, it is not considered lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $35,350 is significantly lower than the national average of $42,290. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawings?
The Cost of Living Index in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($37,580) and Winston-Salem, NC.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?
A local workforce of 380 individuals suggests a specialized job market. While not a large overall number, the high Location Quotient indicates that this occupation is disproportionately represented in the area, implying good opportunities for those with the relevant skills.
What does a Location Quotient of 3.6 mean for this job?
A Location Quotient of 3.6 signifies that Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing are employed in this region at a rate 3.6 times higher than the national average. This points to a strong regional specialization and demand for these roles.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local expenses are on par with the national average. Therefore, the $35,350 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, even though the nominal amount is lower.
Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers for this role locally?
There are 1.478 jobs per 1,000 workers in this occupation locally. This metric, when viewed alongside the high Location Quotient, further emphasizes the concentration and relative abundance of these specific jobs within the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 380 employees in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.478 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area