North Carolina ranks 42nd of 49 states and D.C. for cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic pay, trailing top-paying West Virginia ($53,460) by $11,130 — a 26% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $31,760 to $63,650 — a $31,890 spread, 15% wider than the national $27,650 range.
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are less concentrated in North Carolina than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.71 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.41× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $31,760 | $15.27 |
| 25th percentile | $36,970 | $17.77 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $42,330 | $20.35 |
| 75th percentile | $49,350 | $23.73 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $63,650 | $30.60 |
| Mean (average) | $45,050 | $21.66 |
How North Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (current) | $42,330 | n/a |
| West Virginia | $53,460 | +26% |
| Oregon | $51,810 | +22% |
| Minnesota | $50,960 | +20% |
| Maine | $50,180 | +19% |
| Washington | $49,590 | +17% |
| Wisconsin | $48,730 | +15% |
| Colorado | $48,680 | +15% |
| Montana | $48,290 | +14% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in North Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Laborers | $42,250 | 38,530 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $42,250 | 25,640 |
| Protective Service Workers, All Other | $42,120 | 670 |
| Medical Assistants | $42,600 | 23,970 |
| Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters | $42,680 | 2,420 |
| Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers | $41,870 | 7,160 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary in North Carolina?
The mean cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic salary in North Carolina is $45,050 per year. The median (middle) salary is $42,330 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in North Carolina?
Entry-level cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics (10th percentile) in North Carolina typically earn around $31,760 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $36,970 per year.
What is the highest Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary in North Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in North Carolina make approximately $63,650 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $49,350 per year.
How does the North Carolina Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary compare to the national average?
The median cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic salary in North Carolina is $42,330, which is -7% below national average of $45,590.