Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Birmingham, AL
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Birmingham, AL earn an average annual salary of $50,650. This figure is below the national average of $60,280, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially regional demand influence compensation. While the cost of living is on par with the national average, this salary differential warrants a closer look at the local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $50,650 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $69,270.
- Outlook: Birmingham's job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators shows a notable concentration, with a Location Quotient of 1.21, indicating a higher presence of these roles than the national average. The total local workforce of 520 professionals in this field, coupled with a density of 0.995 jobs per 1,000 workers, suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for skilled operators in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Birmingham, AL earns-16.0%below the national average.
$24.4
$974
$4,221
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Birmingham is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing infrastructure investment, stricter environmental regulations, and the ongoing need for essential utility services typically drive modest but consistent salary increases in this vital sector.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Birmingham, AL
Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Birmingham, AL, typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the typical salary range can span from approximately $40,000 for trainees to upwards of $65,000 or more for highly experienced and certified operators managing complex systems. These gaps reflect the increasing responsibility, specialized knowledge, and proven track record required for advanced roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $32,700 | $15.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $37,988 | $18.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $53,770 | $25.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $63,313 | $30.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $69,270 | $33.3 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$50,650
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$50,650
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $50,650 in Birmingham, AL, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, which is indexed at 100. This means that the purchasing power of an operator's salary in Birmingham is neither significantly enhanced nor diminished by local living expenses compared to the national benchmark. Consequently, the nominal salary offers a standard of living comparable to the average across the United States.
Job Market Context
520
Total Jobs
0.995
Per 1K Jobs
1.21
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.21, Birmingham, AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.21, Birmingham, AL, exhibits a slightly higher concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators compared to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market where demand is present and potentially growing, but not oversaturated. The presence of more jobs per capita than the national average indicates a healthy, albeit not exceptionally robust, employment landscape for these essential professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Comparing salaries near Birmingham, AL
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 Birmingham, AL?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Birmingham, AL is $50,650. This typically ranges from $32,700 for entry-level positions to $69,270 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Birmingham, AL is 16.0% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is Birmingham, AL a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary of $50,650 is notably lower than the national average of $60,280. The market shows a slightly higher concentration of these roles, but this doesn't translate to higher pay in this instance.
Is Birmingham, AL a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Birmingham, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Birmingham, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Tuscaloosa, AL ($52,900) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
How does Birmingham's cost of living affect the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator salary?
Birmingham's cost of living index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $50,650 salary has average purchasing power, neither significantly boosted nor hindered by local expenses compared to the rest of the country.
What is the concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators in Birmingham?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.21. This indicates that there are more Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators employed in Birmingham relative to other occupations than the national average, suggesting a slightly higher demand or presence in the local economy.
How many Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators are there in Birmingham?
There are approximately 520 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators employed in Birmingham, AL.
Is the job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators growing in Birmingham?
While specific growth rates are not provided, the Location Quotient of 1.21 and the number of jobs per 1,000 workers (0.995) suggest a stable and present demand for these roles, rather than rapid expansion. Continued infrastructure needs and regulatory compliance will likely sustain this demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 520 employees in the Birmingham, AL area with a job density of 0.995 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 Birmingham, AL