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Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA

The average salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is $54,040. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power. Notably, Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.77x higher than average.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $54,040 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,870.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 110 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$54,040

The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA earns-10.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$26

Weekly

$1,039

Monthly

$4,503

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA

The earning potential for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA 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 $37,130, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $77,870.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$37,130$17.9
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$40,530$19.5
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$49,270$23.7
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$67,550$32.5
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$77,870$37.4

Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$54,040

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$54,040

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $54,040 to $54,040.

Job Market Context

110

Total Jobs

1.452

Per 1K Jobs

1.77

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA has 1.8x 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.

110 people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA.

1.452 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

CitySalaryDist.
Roanoke, VA Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary$48,320↓ 11%26 mi
Beckley, WV Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary$41,560↓ 23%57 mi
Lynchburg, VA Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary$55,030↑ 2%69 mi
Winston-Salem, NC Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary$51,750↓ 4%79 mi
Greensboro-High Point, NC Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary$50,700↓ 6%85 mi

Comparing salaries near Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA

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 Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA?

The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is $54,040. This typically ranges from $37,130 for entry-level positions to $77,870 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is 10.4% lower than the national median of $60,280.

Is Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA a good place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?

Yes, Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($54,040), 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 Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Roanoke, VA ($48,320) and Beckley, WV.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 110 employees in the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA area with a job density of 1.452 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

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Top Jobs in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA

Semantic Salary Analysis for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA