SalaryNode

Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC earn an average annual salary of $56,210. This figure is slightly below the national average of $60,280, suggesting localized economic factors and demand influence compensation in this specific region. The unique infrastructure needs and operational costs within Augusta-Richmond County likely contribute to this pay differential.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $56,210 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 41.5% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $81,230.
  • Outlook: The job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC appears stable, with a total local workforce of 200 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.07 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a steady, if not growing, demand for skilled operators in the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$56,210

The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC earns-6.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$27

Weekly

$1,081

Monthly

$4,684

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC

Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average, reflecting their increased responsibility and expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$35,840$17.2
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$42,158$20.3
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$49,910$24
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$70,263$33.8
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$81,230$39.1

Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$56,210

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$56,210

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $56,210 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the nominal income in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC offers purchasing power equivalent to the national standard. This means that while the salary is slightly lower than the national average, the cost of living does not present a disadvantage for potential relocators.

Job Market Context

200

Total Jobs

0.884

Per 1K Jobs

1.07

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.07, Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators roles compared to the national norm.

The Location Quotient of 1.07 for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC signifies a slightly higher concentration of these jobs than the national average. This suggests that the local market has a marginally greater demand for these professionals relative to the overall employment landscape, indicating a healthy and potentially competitive environment for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC?

The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is $56,210. This typically ranges from $35,840 for entry-level positions to $81,230 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is 6.8% lower than the national median of $60,280.

Is Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?

Moderately so.The average salary of $56,210 is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable. The slightly higher concentration of jobs (LQ of 1.07) indicates steady demand.

Is Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC?

Some top paying nearby cities include Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($53,480) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.

How does Augusta's Water Operator salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is $56,210, which is approximately $4,070 less than the national average of $60,280.

What is the Cost of Living in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC?

The Cost of Living Index in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.

Is there high demand for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Augusta?

With a Location Quotient of 1.07, there is a slightly higher concentration of these jobs in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC compared to the national average, indicating a stable to slightly elevated demand.

How many Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators work in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC?

There are approximately 200 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators employed in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC, representing 0.884 jobs per 1,000 workers.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC area with a job density of 0.884 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.