SOC 51-9196 · May 2025 · BLS OEWS
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders — South Central Kentucky
South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area · 2 metro areas compared
The median wage for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in South Central Kentucky, KY is $53,580 per year, close to the national median of $50,270 for the same occupation.
Wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Salary overview
The median wage for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in South Central Kentucky, KY is $53,580 per year, close to the national median of $50,270 for the same occupation. Half of workers earn between $53,580 and $57,430. Beyond that band, the tenth percentile sits at $49,000 and the ninetieth at $60,770.
Within the state, Louisville/Jefferson County records the highest median at $59,000. Of the 365 occupations with published wages in this area, it sits 150th.
Percentile breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | vs US median |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $49,000 | −2.5% |
| 25th | $53,580 | +6.6% |
| Median (50th) | $53,580 | +6.6% |
| 75th | $57,430 | +14.2% |
| 90th | $60,770 | +20.9% |
| Mean | $55,160 | +9.7% |
Other metro areas in Kentucky
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Louisville/Jefferson County | $59,000 | 440 | |
| 2 | Bowling Green | $57,620 | 220 |
What the pay is worth locally
Prices in South Central Kentucky run 9.8% below the national average, so the median of $53,580 goes as far as $59,401 would elsewhere in the country. Measured that way it compares to the national median at 18.2% above the national median in real terms.
Published median
$53,580as reported by BLSLocal price level
90.2US average = 100 · BEA 2024Adjusted for local prices
$59,401US average = 100 · BEA 2024Key takeaways
- Median pay is $53,580 a year, 6.6% above the national median.
- Published pay spans $49,000 to $60,770 between the tenth and ninetieth percentiles.
- The highest-paying metro area covered is Louisville/Jefferson County, at $59,000.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median wage for Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in South Central Kentucky, KY?
The median annual wage is $53,580, or $25.76 per hour, as of May 2025. Half of the workers in this occupation earn more than that and half earn less.
Is that higher than the national average?
The national median for this occupation is $50,270, so pay in South Central Kentucky, KY is 6.6% higher. These figures are medians, not averages: half of workers fall on each side.
What do the top earners make?
The top tenth of this occupation in South Central Kentucky, KY earns more than $60,770 per year. The ninetieth percentile is the highest figure the survey publishes.
What is the starting range?
The tenth percentile wage is $49,000 per year. The survey measures wages actually paid rather than experience level, so this reflects the lowest-paid tenth rather than entry-level pay specifically.
Which area nearby pays the most?
The highest median for this occupation among the metro areas covered is in Louisville/Jefferson County, at $59,000 per year.
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Wages are for wage-and-salary workers; self-employed workers are not included. Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.
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