US
Davenport, IA
Iowa salary market
$45.8K
Avg / Year
+1% vs U.S.
vs National
240
Employment
$3.8K
Monthly Avg
Updated for 2026

Polishing Machine Operator Salary in Davenport, IA (2026)

The Polishing Machine Operator salary in Davenport, IA for 2026 is presented as a modeled salary benchmark built from the latest official BLS wage baseline, then extended with wage trend history, employment outlook, and tech-market signals where available. This guide compares the Davenport, IA market with the U.S. baseline and breaks projected pay down by experience, skills, industry, and nearby markets. Official BLS and O*NET title: "Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, & Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, & Tenders, Metal & Plastic".

Official BLS baseline: 2024Davenport, IA city pageModeled salary guide10 min read
City Average
$45.8K
per year
Entry Level
$36.1K
starting range
Senior Level
$72.0K
upper local band
Remote / Hybrid
$46.7K
modeled local premium
Monthly
$3.8K
avg before tax
Hourly Rate
$23
median equivalent
Salary figures projected to 2026  from May 2024BLS OEWS baseline  ·  Projections use wage history, employment outlook, and tech-market signals where available
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Polishing Machine Operator Salary Overview in Davenport, IA

Careerclev's modeled 2026 benchmark places Polishing Machine Operator pay in Davenport, IA at about $45,765.0 per year. On the latest official BLS baseline for this market, the lower local range starts near $37,240.0, while the strongest-paid professionals can reach about $74,190.0.

Salary estimates are based on data from the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, Ia-Il metropolitan area, which includes nearby cities such as Moline, and Rock Island.

If you’re comparing Polishing Machine Operator salaries in Davenport, IA, the real story isn’t just the headline number. Local employer mix, seniority, specialization, and whether the role is remote, hybrid, or onsite can push compensation well above or below the local median.

Davenport, IA vs. U.S. National Average

Davenport, IA pays +1% vs u.s. for Polishing Machine Operator roles. The difference is driven by local employer demand, industry mix, cost pressures, and how concentrated this role is in the underlying metro labor market.

United States National Average
$45.2K
all U.S. markets combined
+1%
Davenport, IA Premium
Davenport, IA City Average
$45.8K
Polishing Machine Operator
MarketProjected Salaryvs Davenport, IAMarket Maturity
Davenport, IA (this guide)$45,765.0BaselineLocal market
United States$45,190.0-1% vs U.S.National baseline
Ames, IA$47,490.0+4% vs U.S.Comparable city
Dubuque, IA$47,130.0+3% vs U.S.Comparable city
Waterloo, IA$44,930.0-2% vs U.S.Comparable city
Why Davenport, IA pay differsThe strongest city salary premiums usually appear where employers compete for specialized talent, where the role is concentrated, and where local costs make compensation harder to hold down.

Polishing Machine Operator Salary by Experience Level in Davenport, IA

Experience changes the local salary picture quickly because employers usually pay for independence, specialization, and broader scope, not just years on paper. In Davenport, IA, this breakdown shows how aPolishing Machine Operator can move from early-career pay into stronger bands as the role becomes more self-directed.

Entry-Level
0-2 years
$38.3K
$22/hr median equivalent
$36.1K - $45.8K
Mid-Level
3-5 years
$45.8K
$22/hr median equivalent
$38.3K - $72.0K
Senior
6-10 years
$72.0K
$22/hr median equivalent
$45.8K - $72.0K
Lead / Principal
10+ years
$72.0K
$22/hr median equivalent
$72.0K - $87.8K
LevelExperienceProjected SalaryProjected RangeMarket Signal
Entry-Level Polishing Machine Operator0-2 years$38,304.0$36,131.0 - $45,765.0-15% vs U.S.
Mid-Level Polishing Machine Operator3-5 years$45,765.0$38,304.0 - $71,980.0+1% vs U.S.
Senior Polishing Machine Operator6-10 years$71,980.0$45,765.0 - $71,980.0+59% vs U.S.
Lead / Principal Polishing Machine Operator10+ years$71,980.0$71,980.0 - $87,816.0+59% vs U.S.
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Best Salary Areas Near Davenport, IA

Nearby metro areas help show how Polishing Machine Operator pay changes around Davenport, IA. Each market reflects its own employer mix, local demand, and industry concentration, making these comparisons useful for candidates weighing their location options.

#1
Davenport, IA
$45.8K
avg / year
Salary estimates are based on data from the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, Ia-Il metropolitan area, which includes nearby cities such as Moline, and Rock Island.
This guide
#2
Ames, IA
$47.5K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Polishing Machine Operator salaries around Davenport, IA.
+4% vs U.S.
#3
Dubuque, IA
$47.1K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Polishing Machine Operator salaries around Davenport, IA.
+3% vs U.S.
#4
Waterloo, IA
$44.9K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Polishing Machine Operator salaries around Davenport, IA.
-2% vs U.S.
#5
Cedar Rapids, IA
$44.6K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Polishing Machine Operator salaries around Davenport, IA.
-3% vs U.S.

Polishing Machine Operator Salary by Industry in Davenport, IA

Industry premiums in Davenport, IA usually come from employers that place the Polishing Machine Operator role close to revenue, infrastructure, compliance, product delivery, or other high-value work. National industry data gives the best available benchmark until local industry slices are available.

IndustryModeled SalaryReference RangeSignal
Retail Trade$54,560.0$31,200.0 - $76,520.0Stronger salary
Transportation and Warehousing$51,350.0$41,480.0 - $67,640.0Stronger salary
Management of Companies and Enterprises$49,770.0$46,630.0 - $61,280.0Stronger salary
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services$47,770.0$32,500.0 - $63,710.0Competitive
Other Services Except Public Administration$47,310.0$33,360.0 - $54,650.0Competitive
Manufacturing$45,470.0$35,180.0 - $61,620.0Competitive
Construction$41,520.0$34,820.0 - $50,960.0Competitive
Wholesale Trade$38,030.0$32,970.0 - $55,700.0Competitive

Entry-Level Polishing Machine Operator Salary in Davenport, IA

Entry-level Polishing Machine Operator jobs in Davenport, IA are modeled around the lower local wage percentiles. Candidates who can show practical projects, job-ready tools, and strong fundamentals usually have a better path into the middle of the local salary range.

For a broader starting-pay benchmark beyond this city market, see the entry-level Polishing Machine Operator salary guide.

Entry estimateA reasonable entry-level salary benchmark for Polishing Machine Operator roles in Davenport, IA is about $38,304.0.
Preparation pathJob Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed. Typical education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. Training signal: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

Remote vs Onsite Polishing Machine Operator Pay in Davenport, IA

Remote work can widen the employer pool for Polishing Machine Operator candidates in Davenport, IA. Onsite and hybrid roles may still pay more when employers need local availability, local clients, regulated work, or team coverage.

Local Onsite Role
$45,765.0
avg local employer
Hybrid Role
$46,680.3
modeled local premium
+2% local avg
Work TypeEstimated SalaryExperienceBest FitFlexibility
Remote$44,849.7Market dependentNational hiring poolsHigh
Hybrid$46,680.3Metro dependentDavenport, IA employersMedium
Onsite$45,765.0Location dependentLocal teams and operationsLower

Cost of Living vs Salary in Davenport, IA

A salary in Davenport, IA should be read alongside housing, commuting, tax, and everyday costs. The same annual pay can feel very different at entry, mid-level, and senior levels.

Monthly Expense
Entry
Mid
Senior
Housing / rent
$610.2
$839.0
$1.1K
Transport / commute
$133.5
$152.6
$171.6
Food and groceries
$286.0
$305.1
$343.2
Utilities and internet
$133.5
$152.6
$171.6
Estimated remainder
$1.3K
$2.0K
$2.4K
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Top Employers Hiring Polishing Machine Operators in Davenport, IA

Employer mix is one of the biggest city-level salary drivers. The industries below highlight where Polishing Machine Operator pay tends to be strongest in Davenport, IA, based on the sectors that create the most hiring demand for this role.

1
Retail Trade employers
$54.6K
Industry benchmark for Polishing Machine Operator roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
2
Transportation and Warehousing employers
$51.4K
Industry benchmark for Polishing Machine Operator roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
3
Management of Companies and Enterprises employers
$49.8K
Industry benchmark for Polishing Machine Operator roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
4
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services employers
$47.8K
Industry benchmark for Polishing Machine Operator roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
5
Other Services Except Public Administration employers
$47.3K
Industry benchmark for Polishing Machine Operator roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
6
Manufacturing employers
$45.5K
Industry benchmark for Polishing Machine Operator roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.

Davenport, IA Compared With Other U.S. Cities

This comparison is useful when one city salary number is not enough on its own. It shows whetherDavenport, IA is genuinely a stronger-paying market for Polishing Machine Operator work or whether the local benchmark sits closer to the broader national middle.

Davenport, IA
This guide
$45.8K
Baseline
Ames, IA
Nearby U.S. market
$47.5K
+4% vs U.S.
Dubuque, IA
Nearby U.S. market
$47.1K
+3% vs U.S.
Waterloo, IA
Nearby U.S. market
$44.9K
-2% vs U.S.
Cedar Rapids, IA
Nearby U.S. market
$44.6K
-3% vs U.S.
Des Moines, IA
Nearby U.S. market
$43.5K
-5% vs U.S.
Dubuque, IA
Nearby U.S. market
$44.8K
-2% vs U.S.

Career Growth Opportunities in Davenport, IA

Local career growth is strongest when it is read through both the city salary ladder and the broader national demand outlook. The city salary benchmark shows what this market currently pays, while the career path and BLS demand data show how that benchmark can expand with scope and responsibility.

1
Intern / Trainee
$26.2K - $35.2K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
2
Junior
$32.5K - $42.9K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
3
Mid Level
$40.7K - $50.6K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
4
Senior
$48.8K - $63.3K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
5
Lead
$57.8K - $73.2K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
6
Principal / Architect
$67.8K - $92.6K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
BLS Demand SignalEmployment is projected to change by -12.0% from 2024 to 2034.
DecliningAnnual openings: 5.5 thousand.
Metric2026 Outlook
Projected employment70.1k → 61.7k
Typical educationUsually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Related experienceSome occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Local market anchor240 jobs with a median of $45,765.0

Factors Affecting Polishing Machine Operator Salary in Davenport, IA

Local pay rarely moves for one reason alone. In city markets, the biggest differences usually come from employer concentration, industry mix, seniority, and whether the role is tied to business-critical work that is harder to staff.

Years of Experience
Salary usually rises as the role moves from entry-level execution to independent ownership, mentoring, and broader decision-making.
Location and Cost of Living
Local salary ranges vary by labor market, employer density, and household-income context.
Industry
Industry pay can vary when employers in higher-margin or harder-to-staff sectors compete for the same occupation.
Specialized Skills
O*NET marks high-demand role-specific skills as relevant skills for this role, making them useful anchors for specialization and salary-growth content.

How to Increase Your Polishing Machine Operator Salary in Davenport, IA

In city markets, salary growth often comes from better positioning as much as from patience. These moves are most useful when you already understand the local benchmark and want a clearer path beyond it.

1
Benchmark against stronger markets
Compare national, metro, and industry salary facts before negotiating so your target range is grounded in current wage data.
1-3 months timeline
2
Build a visible specialization
Prioritize skills such as high-demand role-specific skills; O*NET relevance scores make these good first candidates for portfolio and resume positioning.
3-9 months timeline
3
Target higher-paying industries
Use industry salary facts to identify sectors that already pay above the occupation baseline.
2-6 months timeline
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Polishing Machine Operator Salary in Davenport, IA: FAQs

These questions usually come up after readers compare the city benchmark, the statewide picture, and the local experience ladder. They help clarify how to read the market and what matters most when you compare this city with other options.

These FAQs focus on how readers searching for "Polishing Machine Operator" usually compare local pay, employer mix, and market differences in this city.

What is the average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, & Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, & Tenders, Metal & Plastic salary?
The latest national baseline for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, & Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, & Tenders, Metal & Plastic is about $45,200 per year, based on the current BLS-derived salary facts in CareerClev.
What is the entry-level Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, & Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, & Tenders, Metal & Plastic salary?
Entry-level estimates for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, & Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, & Tenders, Metal & Plastic are modeled around the lower BLS percentile range, currently about $35,000 per year nationally.
How much can senior Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, & Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, & Tenders, Metal & Plastic professionals earn?
Senior Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, & Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, & Tenders, Metal & Plastic estimates are modeled from upper percentile wage bands and currently sit around $51,400 per year nationally.
Does location affect Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, & Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, & Tenders, Metal & Plastic salary?
Yes. CareerClev stores salary facts by national, state, and metro locations, so location-specific pages should use the closest available geography instead of a single national number.
Which skills matter for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, & Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, & Tenders, Metal & Plastic salary growth?
CareerClev uses O*NET skill importance and level scores to identify role-relevant skills. These are useful for recommendations, but should not be presented as measured salary premiums unless enriched compensation data exists.
Data
Data Sources & MethodologyUpdated using 2024 BLS OEWS salary facts, O*NET occupation-skill data, Census location context where available, ILOSTAT country benchmarks where mapped, BLS Employment Projections where imported, and Stack Overflow Developer Survey enrichment for mapped tech roles.
Salary figures use BLS OEWS wage facts for 2024. City pages use the BLS metropolitan area as the salary dataset, display the largest city as the public page name, and model experience bands from local wage percentiles.
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