In the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX metropolitan area, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators earn an average annual salary of $58,140. This figure is slightly below the national average of $60,280, a difference that can be attributed to a variety of local economic factors and the specific demand within the region's infrastructure sector. While the nominal salary is lower than the national benchmark, understanding the local cost of living is crucial for a complete financial picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $58,140 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $75,520.
- Outlook: The Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX area supports a local workforce of 850 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators. With a Location Quotient of 0.82, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market. The presence of 0.671 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for skilled professionals in maintaining the region's vital water infrastructure.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX earns-3.6%below the national average.
$28
$1,118
$4,845
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Austin is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing infrastructure investment, evolving regulatory standards, and a growing population likely contribute to a steady or increasing demand, which typically correlates with salary growth in specialized technical fields.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX
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 seasoned professionals with extensive knowledge of complex systems, advanced certifications, and supervisory responsibilities can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the value placed on accumulated expertise and leadership within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $42,960 | $20.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $43,605 | $21 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $59,670 | $28.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $72,675 | $34.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $75,520 | $36.3 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$58,140
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$58,140
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $58,140 in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator's salary in this region is comparable to the national average. While the nominal salary is slightly lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay offers a similar standard of living to other parts of the country.
Job Market Context
850
Total Jobs
0.671
Per 1K Jobs
0.82
Location Quotient
Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX has 0.82x 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 0.82 for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX indicates that the region has a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is stable and there is consistent demand, it may not be as intensely competitive as in areas with a higher LQ. Professionals seeking employment may find a balanced market with opportunities available without extreme competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Comparing salaries near Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX is $58,140. This typically ranges from $42,960 for entry-level positions to $75,520 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX is 3.6% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
Yes, it offers a comparable standard of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the local cost of living is also at the national average, making the $58,140 salary effectively competitive.
Is Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area ($43,070) and Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX is $58,140, 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 Austin?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.82, indicating a slightly lower presence of these roles compared to the national average.
How does experience affect salary for this role in Austin?
Experience significantly impacts earnings, with senior operators commanding higher salaries than entry-level positions due to specialized skills and responsibilities.
Is the Austin job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators saturated?
With a Location Quotient below 1.0, the market is not considered saturated, suggesting a healthy balance between available jobs and the workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 850 employees in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX area with a job density of 0.671 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 Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX