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Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Charleston, WV

The average salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Charleston, WV is $40,680. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Charleston, WV may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power. Notably, Charleston, WV is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.62x higher than average.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $40,680 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,150.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 140 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Charleston, WV economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$40,680

The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Charleston, WV earns-32.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$19.6

Weekly

$782

Monthly

$3,390

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Charleston, WV

The earning potential for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Charleston, WV 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 $29,820, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $45,150.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$29,820$14.3
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$30,510$14.7
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$39,460$19
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$50,850$24.4
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$45,150$21.7

Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$40,680

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$40,680

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Charleston, WV, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $40,680 to $40,680.

Job Market Context

140

Total Jobs

1.329

Per 1K Jobs

1.62

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Charleston, WV has 1.6x 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.

140 people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Charleston, WV.

1.329 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.
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary$44,490↑ 9%44 mi
Beckley, WV Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary$41,560↑ 2%46 mi
Parkersburg-Vienna, WV Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary$49,970↑ 23%63 mi

Comparing salaries near Charleston, WV

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 Charleston, WV?

The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Charleston, WV is $40,680. This typically ranges from $29,820 for entry-level positions to $45,150 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Charleston, WV is 32.5% lower than the national median of $60,280.

Is Charleston, WV a good place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?

Yes, Charleston, WV is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($40,680), 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 Charleston, WV a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Charleston, WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Charleston, WV?

Some top paying nearby cities include Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH ($44,490) 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 140 employees in the Charleston, WV area with a job density of 1.329 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Explore Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salaries by State

Semantic Salary Analysis for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Charleston, WV