Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
The average salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $53,430. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Auburn-Opelika, AL may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power. Notably, Auburn-Opelika, AL is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 2.02x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $53,430 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,900.
- Outlook: The current demand for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 120 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Auburn-Opelika, AL economy.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Auburn-Opelika, AL earns-11.4%below the national average.
$25.7
$1,028
$4,453
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salaries in Auburn-Opelika, AL have shown healthy growth of 13.1%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Auburn-Opelika, AL
The earning potential for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Auburn-Opelika, AL varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $31,200, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $74,900.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $31,200 | $15 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $40,073 | $19.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $49,930 | $24 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $66,788 | $32.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $74,900 | $36 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$53,430
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$53,430
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Auburn-Opelika, AL, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $53,430 to $53,430.
Job Market Context
120
Total Jobs
1.662
Per 1K Jobs
2.02
Location Quotient
Auburn-Opelika, AL has 2.0x the national concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
120 people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Auburn-Opelika, AL.
1.662 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators positions — a typical concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Comparing salaries near Auburn-Opelika, AL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $53,430. This typically ranges from $31,200 for entry-level positions to $74,900 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 11.4% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a good place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
Yes, Auburn-Opelika, AL is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($53,430), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Auburn-Opelika, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbus, GA-AL ($50,140) and Montgomery, AL.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 120 employees in the Auburn-Opelika, AL area with a job density of 1.662 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 Auburn-Opelika, AL