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Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA

The average salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $52,250. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Chattanooga, TN-GA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $52,250 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $71,580.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 190 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Chattanooga, TN-GA economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$52,250

The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-13.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$25.1

Weekly

$1,005

Monthly

$4,354

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA

The earning potential for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Chattanooga, TN-GA 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 $37,690, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $71,580.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$37,690$18.1
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$39,188$18.8
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$50,170$24.1
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$65,313$31.4
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$71,580$34.4

Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$52,250

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$52,250

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Chattanooga, TN-GA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $52,250 to $52,250.

Job Market Context

190

Total Jobs

0.701

Per 1K Jobs

0.85

Location Quotient

Below Average

Chattanooga, TN-GA has 0.85x 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.

190 people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Chattanooga, TN-GA.

Only 0.701 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators roles — this is a niche profession in the area.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators

CitySalaryDist.
Cleveland, TN Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary$60,540↑ 16%23 mi
Dalton, GA Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary$53,610↑ 3%26 mi
Rome, GA Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary$44,000↓ 16%55 mi
Huntsville, AL Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary$59,910↑ 15%83 mi
Gadsden, AL Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary$53,370↑ 2%85 mi

Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA

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 Chattanooga, TN-GA?

The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $52,250. This typically ranges from $37,690 for entry-level positions to $71,580 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 13.3% lower than the national median of $60,280.

Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?

It depends on your priorities. While the average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $52,250 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Chattanooga, TN-GA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.

Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Cleveland, TN ($60,540) and Dalton, GA.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 190 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 0.701 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 Chattanooga, TN-GA