Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Akron, OH
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Akron, OH, earn an average annual salary of $58,930. This figure is slightly below the national average of $60,280, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially regional demand influence compensation. While the difference is modest, it highlights the importance of understanding local economic factors when evaluating salary potential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $58,930 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $70,870.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 250 professionals, the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator field in Akron, OH, represents a stable, albeit niche, segment of the labor market. The Location Quotient of 0.94 indicates a concentration of these roles that is very close to the national average, suggesting a consistent demand that aligns with broader industry trends. The presence of 0.771 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the steady employment opportunities available.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Akron, OH earns-2.2%below the national average.
$28.3
$1,133
$4,911
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Akron is not provided, the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator sector nationally has seen consistent growth over the past four years, driven by infrastructure needs and environmental regulations. It is reasonable to assume that salaries within this field in Akron have also experienced a gradual upward trend, reflecting increased responsibilities, technological advancements, and the ongoing importance of these essential services.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Akron, OH
Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Akron, OH, typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized certifications and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles. This salary growth signifies a clear career ladder, rewarding accumulated knowledge and operational expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $47,090 | $22.6 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $44,198 | $21.2 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $59,180 | $28.5 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $73,663 | $35.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $70,870 | $34.1 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$58,930
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$58,930
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $58,930 in Akron, OH, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an operator's salary in Akron is equivalent to the national standard. Consequently, relocating to Akron for this role offers a stable financial outlook, with no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of cost of living compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
0.771
Per 1K Jobs
0.94
Location Quotient
Akron, OH has 0.94x the national average concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.94 for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Akron, OH, indicates that the concentration of these jobs in the area is nearly on par with the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where demand and supply are relatively stable, without an oversupply or significant undersupply of qualified professionals. The market is neither exceptionally competitive nor saturated, offering steady opportunities for skilled operators.
Nearby Job Markets
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Comparing salaries near Akron, OH
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Akron, OH?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Akron, OH is $58,930. This typically ranges from $47,090 for entry-level positions to $70,870 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Akron, OH is 2.2% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is Akron, OH a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
No, it is not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $58,930 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average. This indicates a compensation level that is in line with national standards, rather than offering a premium.
Is Akron, OH a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Akron, OH is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Akron, OH?
Some top paying nearby cities include Canton-Massillon, OH ($52,830) and Cleveland, OH.
How does the Akron salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Akron, OH, is $58,930, which is slightly lower than the national average of $60,280.
What is the concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Akron?
Akron has a Location Quotient of 0.94 for this profession, meaning the concentration of these jobs is very close to the national average.
Does the cost of living in Akron affect the salary's value?
No, the cost of living in Akron is exactly at the national average (100), so the $58,930 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are there in Akron?
There are approximately 250 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators working in Akron, OH.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the Akron, OH area with a job density of 0.771 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Akron, OH