Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

In Chicago and the surrounding Illinois-Indiana region, Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders typically earn a median annual salary of $57,240, which is higher than the national median for this occupation at $49,390. The median hourly wage stands at $27.52. When compared to the local median household income of $88,850, workers in this field generally earn less than the average household, indicating that their earnings may not fully cover the cost of living typical for households in the area. This discrepancy highlights potential challenges these workers might face when trying to align their earnings with broader economic conditions and household expenses.

Entry-level Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders typically start at a lower end of the salary spectrum, earning around $39,930 annually (10th percentile), whereas those further along in their careers can earn up to $61,770 annually (90th percentile). The disparity between entry-level and experienced workers is driven by factors such as skills proficiency, experience level, productivity, and additional responsibilities undertaken over time. Experienced operators often have higher earnings due to their ability to manage complex machinery more efficiently or take on supervisory roles, which are compensated at a premium compared to the foundational tasks performed by those just starting in the field.