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Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC

In the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metropolitan area, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators earn an average annual salary of $57,250. This figure is slightly below the national average of $60,280, indicating localized market dynamics at play. Factors such as regional demand, cost of operations, and the specific needs of the local infrastructure likely contribute to this pay differential.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $57,250 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,590.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 790 professionals in this field, the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia area presents a moderately sized employment landscape for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators. The Location Quotient of 0.72 suggests that this occupation is slightly less concentrated here compared to the national average, implying a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other industries within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$57,250

The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC earns-5.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$27.5

Weekly

$1,101

Monthly

$4,771

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC

Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the gap between starting salaries and those earned by experienced operators often reflects increased responsibility, specialized certifications, and a proven track record in managing complex systems. This progression signifies substantial career development opportunities within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$39,460$19
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$42,938$20.6
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$54,870$26.4
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$71,563$34.4
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$77,590$37.3

Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$57,250

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$57,250

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $57,250 in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator's salary in this region is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting a balanced economic environment for professionals.

Job Market Context

790

Total Jobs

0.588

Per 1K Jobs

0.72

Location Quotient

Below Average

Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC has 0.72x 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 0.72 for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia indicates that the occupation is present at a slightly lower density than the national average. This suggests that while the job market is stable, it may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering a good balance of opportunity and competition for skilled individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators

CitySalaryDist.
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary$45,660↓ 20%45 mi
Spartanburg, SC Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary$53,840↓ 6%64 mi
Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary$49,950↓ 13%65 mi
Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary$46,580↓ 19%65 mi
Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary$49,020↓ 14%65 mi

Comparing salaries near Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC?

The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is $57,250. This typically ranges from $39,460 for entry-level positions to $77,590 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is 5.0% lower than the national median of $60,280.

Is Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?

No, it is slightly below the national average.The average salary of $57,250 is less than the national average of $60,280, and the cost of living is at the national average, indicating less lucrative compensation compared to the rest of the country.

Is Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC?

Some top paying nearby cities include Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC ($45,660) and Spartanburg, SC.

How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?

A local workforce of 790 suggests a established presence of this profession, offering a solid base of potential employers and colleagues within the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia area.

What does a Location Quotient of 0.72 mean for job seekers?

A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.72, indicates that this occupation is less concentrated in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia than the national average, suggesting moderate competition and stable demand.

How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $57,250 salary in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning your earnings will stretch as far as they would nationwide.

What are the typical responsibilities of a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator?

These professionals monitor and operate systems to treat water and wastewater, ensuring compliance with regulations, performing tests, and maintaining equipment to safeguard public health and the environment.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 790 employees in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area with a job density of 0.588 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

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Top Jobs in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC

Semantic Salary Analysis for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC