Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary in Los Angeles, CA
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
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In Los Angeles, CA, the typical Plating Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender in the metal and plastic industry earns a median annual salary of $46,390, which is higher than the national median of $41,600. This translates to a median hourly wage of $22.30. When compared to the local area's median household income of $93,525, the earnings for this occupation represent approximately 49.6% of what an average household earns annually in Los Angeles. With an estimated employment figure of around 3,050 individuals and a local unemployment rate standing at 5.40%, this role contributes significantly to the region’s industrial workforce.
For entry-level Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, earnings can start as low as $36,330 annually, which is in the 10th percentile of wage distribution for this occupation in Los Angeles. In contrast, more experienced workers may earn up to $57,610 per year, placing them at the 90th percentile. The variance in salaries between entry-level and seasoned professionals can be attributed to factors such as experience, skill level, specialized training, productivity rates, and the ability to handle complex machinery or processes effectively. As workers gain expertise and demonstrate increased proficiency over time, their value within the industry grows, which is often reflected in higher earnings potential.
Salary percentile breakdown
Los Angeles economic context
Frequently asked questions
How much do Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make per hour in Los Angeles?
The median hourly wage for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Los Angeles, CA is $22.30, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $28.19 or more per hour.
Is Los Angeles above or below average for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salaries?
The median Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary in Los Angeles, CA is 11.5% above the national median of $41,600. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.
What is the entry-level salary for Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Los Angeles?
Entry-level Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (10th percentile) earn around $36,330 per year in Los Angeles, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $38,830.