Best cities for a set-up operator
The best cities for set-up operators are Lincoln, NE, Philadelphia, PA, and El Paso, TX, based on factors like average salary and job availability per capita. Jobs and pay for set-up operators vary across the country, but we've determined the ten best cities for set-up operators in the U.S.
Whether you're starting your career as a set-up operator or considering a move, this list of the best cities for set-up operators to live in will help you decide. These aren't just the best-paying cities for set-up operators. We also consider how easy it is to find work as a set-up operator. While the absolute best city for set-up operators is Lincoln, NE, there are plenty of other great places to consider.
Keep reading to learn more about the best cities for set-up operators in 2024.
If you're looking for a set-up operator job, here are five companies hiring now:
10 best cities for set-up operators in 2025
1. Lincoln, NE
Total set-up operator jobs: 5 Average annual salary: $44,749 Lowest 10 percent warn: $32,000 Highest 10 percent earn: $62,000 Location quotient: 5.51 2. Philadelphia, PA
Total set-up operator jobs: 0 Average annual salary: $44,966 Lowest 10 percent warn: $31,000 Highest 10 percent earn: $64,000 Location quotient: 0.00 3. El Paso, TX
Total set-up operator jobs: 0 Average annual salary: $46,748 Lowest 10 percent warn: $32,000 Highest 10 percent earn: $66,000 Location quotient: 0.00 4. San Antonio, TX
Total set-up operator jobs: 0 Average annual salary: $45,963 Lowest 10 percent warn: $32,000 Highest 10 percent earn: $65,000 Location quotient: 0.00 5. Lubbock, TX
Total set-up operator jobs: 0 Average annual salary: $45,878 Lowest 10 percent warn: $32,000 Highest 10 percent earn: $65,000 Location quotient: 0.00 6. Austin, TX
Total set-up operator jobs: 0 Average annual salary: $45,860 Lowest 10 percent warn: $32,000 Highest 10 percent earn: $65,000 Location quotient: 0.00 7. Laredo, TX
Total set-up operator jobs: 0 Average annual salary: $45,849 Lowest 10 percent warn: $32,000 Highest 10 percent earn: $64,000 Location quotient: 0.00 8. Irving, TX
Total set-up operator jobs: 1 Average annual salary: $45,240 Lowest 10 percent warn: $31,000 Highest 10 percent earn: $64,000 Location quotient: 0.31 9. Fort Worth, TX
Total set-up operator jobs: 0 Average annual salary: $45,336 Lowest 10 percent warn: $31,000 Highest 10 percent earn: $64,000 Location quotient: 0.00 10. Corpus Christi, TX
Total set-up operator jobs: 0 Average annual salary: $45,684 Lowest 10 percent warn: $32,000 Highest 10 percent earn: $64,000 Location quotient: 0.00
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Best cities for set-up operators
- Lincoln, NE
- Philadelphia, PA
- El Paso, TX
- San Antonio, TX
- Lubbock, TX
- Austin, TX
- Laredo, TX
- Irving, TX
- Fort Worth, TX
- Corpus Christi, TX
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Detailed list of the best cities for a set-up operator
| Rank | City | Average salary | Lowest 10% Earn | Population | Job count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lincoln, NE | $44,749 | $32,000 | 280,364 | 5 |
| 2 | Philadelphia, PA | $44,966 | $31,000 | 1,567,872 | - |
| 3 | El Paso, TX | $46,748 | $32,000 | 683,080 | - |
| 4 | San Antonio, TX | $45,963 | $32,000 | 1,492,510 | - |
| 5 | Lubbock, TX | $45,878 | $32,000 | 252,506 | - |
| 6 | Austin, TX | $45,860 | $32,000 | 947,890 | - |
| 7 | Laredo, TX | $45,849 | $32,000 | 257,156 | - |
| 8 | Irving, TX | $45,240 | $31,000 | 238,289 | 1 |
| 9 | Fort Worth, TX | $45,336 | $31,000 | 854,113 | - |
| 10 | Corpus Christi, TX | $45,684 | $32,000 | 325,733 | - |
| 11 | Arlington, TX | $45,310 | $31,000 | 392,772 | - |
| 12 | Omaha, NE | $44,689 | $32,000 | 446,970 | - |
| 13 | Houston, TX | $45,588 | $32,000 | 2,303,482 | - |
| 14 | Dallas, TX | $45,238 | $31,000 | 1,317,929 | - |
| 15 | Garland, TX | $45,160 | $31,000 | 234,943 | - |
| 16 | Plano, TX | $45,134 | $31,000 | 286,057 | - |
| 17 | Jacksonville, FL | $44,203 | $31,000 | 880,619 | - |
| 18 | Saint Petersburg, FL | $44,199 | $31,000 | 260,999 | - |
| 19 | Tampa, FL | $44,161 | $31,000 | 377,165 | - |
| 20 | Pittsburgh, PA | $44,092 | $30,000 | 303,625 | - |
| 21 | Orlando, FL | $44,014 | $31,000 | 277,173 | - |
| 22 | Hialeah, FL | $44,002 | $31,000 | 236,387 | - |
| 23 | Virginia Beach, VA | $47,047 | $32,000 | 452,602 | - |
| 24 | Miami, FL | $43,994 | $31,000 | 453,579 | - |
| 25 | Norfolk, VA | $46,972 | $32,000 | 245,115 | - |
| 26 | Boston, MA | $46,831 | $33,000 | 673,184 | - |
| 27 | Chesapeake, VA | $46,864 | $32,000 | 237,940 | - |
| 28 | Milwaukee, WI | $38,697 | $27,000 | 595,047 | 13 |
| 29 | Cleveland, OH | $38,185 | $26,000 | 385,809 | - |
| 30 | Wichita, KS | $39,013 | $27,000 | 389,902 | 3 |
| 31 | Memphis, TN | $37,675 | $26,000 | 652,717 | - |
| 32 | New York, NY | $48,350 | $33,000 | 8,537,673 | 4 |
| 33 | Nashville, TN | $37,600 | $26,000 | 660,388 | - |
| 34 | Hempstead, NY | $48,357 | $33,000 | 759,757 | - |
| 35 | Anchorage, AK | $45,277 | $37,000 | 298,192 | - |
| 36 | Toledo, OH | $37,577 | $26,000 | 278,508 | - |
| 37 | Islip, NY | $48,328 | $33,000 | 335,543 | - |
| 38 | Lexington, KY | $38,894 | $27,000 | 318,449 | - |
| 39 | Oyster Bay, NY | $48,310 | $33,000 | 293,214 | - |
| 40 | Louisville, KY | $38,815 | $27,000 | 597,337 | - |
| 41 | Brookhaven, NY | $48,272 | $33,000 | 486,040 | - |
| 42 | Fort Wayne, IN | $37,795 | $26,000 | 264,488 | - |
| 43 | Glendale, AZ | $40,563 | $28,000 | 245,895 | - |
| 44 | Columbus, OH | $36,983 | $26,000 | 860,090 | - |
| 45 | Portland, OR | $43,219 | $31,000 | 639,863 | - |
| 46 | Phoenix, AZ | $40,549 | $28,000 | 1,615,017 | - |
| 47 | Buffalo, NY | $47,617 | $33,000 | 256,902 | - |
| 48 | Chandler, AZ | $40,529 | $28,000 | 247,477 | - |
| 49 | Gilbert, AZ | $40,518 | $28,000 | 237,133 | - |
| 50 | Detroit, MI | $38,566 | $27,000 | 672,795 | - |
Highest paying cities for set-up operators
| Rank | City | Avg. set-up operator salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rochester, NY | $47,435 |
| 2 | Reading, PA | $44,879 |
| 3 | Lincoln, NE | $44,749 |
| 4 | Clearwater, FL | $44,199 |
| 5 | Danbury, CT | $41,953 |
| 6 | South Gate, CA | $41,439 |
| 7 | Saint Paul, MN | $41,120 |
| 8 | Manitowoc, WI | $39,049 |
| 9 | Euclid, OH | $38,254 |
| 10 | Rocky Mount, NC | $38,095 |
| 11 | Gurnee, IL | $38,079 |
| 12 | Grand Rapids, MI | $37,920 |
Set-up operator best cities FAQs
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Updated January 8, 2025