Die Casting Industry Pay Report 2008: Maintenance Workers See 36% Wage Rise, CNC Operators Drop 34%

According to the North American Die Casting Association’s (NADCA) 2008 Annual Wage & Fringe Benefits Survey, maintenance personnel earned a 36% increase in wages from 2007 to 2008, while CNC operators experienced a 34% decline. This stark contrast highlights shifting priorities within the industry.

The survey drew on a rigorous analysis of 37 domestic die‑casting firms across 13 job classifications. It examined hourly wages, total compensation (including overtime), benefits packages, insurance costs, absenteeism, and how compensation practices vary by company size and geographic location.

“The data reflects total pay, including overtime, and signals the economic conditions the die‑casting industry is navigating,” said Daniel L. Twarog, NADCA President. “More firms are investing in keeping older machines operational, while CNC hours are decreasing.”

Key findings from the participating companies include a median annual sales volume of $21.6 million, an average of 16 die‑casting machines, 118 full‑time direct‑labor employees, and 79 hourly production staff.

For analysts seeking deeper insight, the survey is accompanied by a searchable CD‑ROM that contains a database of all participants and company data spanning 1999–2008. Results can be exported to spreadsheets for custom statistical analysis. Order a copy (item #852) at www.diecasting.org/publications.

Headquartered in Wheeling, Illinois, NADCA represents over 3,100 individual members and 300 corporate members across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The association champions industry awareness, domestic growth, and global competitiveness for its members.