In the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA metropolitan area, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators earn an average annual salary of $55,530. This figure is notably below the national average of $60,280. The localized pay reflects a combination of regional economic factors, demand for specialized skills, and the specific operational needs within the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $55,530 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $76,830.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,320 professionals, the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell area demonstrates a significant concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.56. While this quotient suggests a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, the absolute number of workers points to a stable and established job market for these essential roles.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA earns-7.9%below the national average.
$26.7
$1,068
$4,628
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Atlanta is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing infrastructure demands, evolving regulatory standards, and the need to retain skilled personnel in a vital public service sector.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA
Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators typically involves a salary increase tied to experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive experience, specialized certifications, and supervisory duties can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution underscore these opportunities for advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,300 | $18.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $41,648 | $20 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $51,260 | $24.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $69,413 | $33.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $76,830 | $36.9 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$55,530
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$55,530
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $55,530 in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator's salary in this region is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the nominal salary effectively covers standard living expenses without a significant premium or discount.
Job Market Context
1,320
Total Jobs
0.46
Per 1K Jobs
0.56
Location Quotient
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA has 0.56x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.56 for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA, indicates that this profession is less concentrated locally than the national average. This suggests that while the job market is present and supports a workforce of 1,320, there may be fewer specialized opportunities relative to the overall employment landscape compared to other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Comparing salaries near Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is $55,530. This typically ranges from $38,300 for entry-level positions to $76,830 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is 7.9% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $55,530 is below the national average of $60,280, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Gainesville, GA ($48,740) and Rome, GA.
How does the Atlanta salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is $55,530, which is lower than the national average of $60,280.
What is the Cost of Living in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA?
The Cost of Living Index for Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How many Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators work in the Atlanta area?
There are approximately 1,320 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators employed in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA metropolitan area.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.56 mean for this role in Atlanta?
A Location Quotient of 0.56 signifies that the concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Atlanta is less than half of the national average concentration for this profession.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,320 employees in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA area with a job density of 0.46 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 Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA