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Production & Manufacturing · Kentucky

How to Become a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Kentucky

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics in Kentucky earn a median salary of $48,170/year, which is 6% above the national average. Kentucky has a state income tax of ~4.0%. After taxes and rent, a cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic takes home approximately $1,823/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$48K
Median salary in Kentucky
+6%
vs. national average
4.0%
State income tax
6,610
Employed in Kentucky

What a cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic can afford in Kentucky

Gross annual salary$48,170
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.0% state tax)$3,235/mo
Median 2BR rent (Kentucky)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home43.6% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$48,170/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,823/mo

Becoming a cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic in Kentucky

1

Meet education requirements

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic positions in Kentucky typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Kentucky. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic positions in Kentucky require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Kentucky licensure or certification

Kentucky may require specific licensing or professional certification for cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics. Requirements vary by state — contact the Kentucky Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Kentucky

Kentucky employs 6,610 cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics. The highest concentrations are in Louisville/Jefferson County and Bowling Green.

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary by metro area in Kentucky

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Louisville/Jefferson County$62K$29.77/hr2,950
Bowling Green$50K$23.92/hr390
Lexington-Fayette$48K$22.87/hr700
Paducah$43K$20.69/hr40
Owensboro$39K$18.61/hr190

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary range in Kentucky

10th percentile (entry)
$36K
25th percentile
$41K
Median (50th)
$48K
75th percentile
$62K
90th percentile (senior)
$62K
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After federal + 4.0% state tax
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Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic make in Kentucky?

The median cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic salary in Kentucky is $48,170 per year ($23.16/hr). This is 6% above the national median of $45,590. Salaries range from $36,400 to $62,490.

What are the requirements to become a cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic in Kentucky?

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic positions in Kentucky typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Kentucky may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Kentucky licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic afford to live in Kentucky?

At the median salary of $48,170, a cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic in Kentucky would take home approximately $3,235/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 43.6% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics in Kentucky?

The highest paying metro areas for cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics in Kentucky are Louisville/Jefferson County ($61,930), Bowling Green ($49,750), Lexington-Fayette ($47,580). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Kentucky have state income tax for cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics?

Yes, Kentucky has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.0%. On a $48,170 salary, this means roughly $1,927/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.