Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY area earn an average annual salary of $63,760. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $60,280, suggesting that local economic factors and demand contribute to a more favorable compensation landscape for these essential professionals. The specialized nature of maintaining critical water infrastructure often commands a premium in regional labor markets.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $63,760 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $80,530.
- Outlook: The Albany-Schenectady-Troy region supports a local workforce of 340 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators. With a Location Quotient of 0.93, the concentration of these roles is just slightly below the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for skilled operators. The presence of a substantial local workforce suggests a mature job market with ongoing opportunities for qualified individuals.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY earns+5.8%above the national average.
$30.7
$1,226
$5,313
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Albany-Schenectady-Troy have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increased operational complexity, evolving regulatory standards, and the essential nature of the services provided, ensuring that compensation keeps pace with the responsibilities of the role.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically offer salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive knowledge of complex systems and regulatory compliance can command significantly higher compensation. The salary distribution across experience levels, often reflected in percentile data, clearly signifies substantial earning potential as operators advance in their careers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $48,110 | $23.1 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $47,820 | $23 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $61,400 | $29.5 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $79,700 | $38.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $80,530 | $38.7 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$63,760
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$63,760
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $63,760 in Albany-Schenectady-Troy 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 this region is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial foundation without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
340
Total Jobs
0.763
Per 1K Jobs
0.93
Location Quotient
Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY has 0.93x 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 0.93 indicates that Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are slightly less concentrated in Albany-Schenectady-Troy compared to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled professionals without intense competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Comparing salaries near Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
Hiring Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is $63,760. This typically ranges from $48,110 for entry-level positions to $80,530 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is 5.8% higher than the national median of $60,280.
Is Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation.Operators in this region earn above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong purchasing power.
Is Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Pittsfield, MA ($57,520) and Kingston, NY.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary of $63,760 in Albany-Schenectady-Troy is higher than the national average of $60,280 for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators.
What is the cost of living in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?
The cost of living in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is exactly at the national average, with a Cost of Living Index of 100.
How many Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators work in this area?
There are approximately 340 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators employed in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY region.
Is the job market for these operators competitive in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?
With a Location Quotient of 0.93, the market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a balanced environment for job seekers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 340 employees in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY area with a job density of 0.763 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
- All Occupations Salary in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
- Management Occupations Salary in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
- Browse All Jobs in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY