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Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Coastal Plains Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the Coastal Plains Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $42,450. This figure significantly trails the national average of $60,280, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a lower demand for specialized roles compared to more urbanized areas. The specific economic landscape and industry concentration within this nonmetropolitan region directly influence compensation levels for these essential positions.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $42,450 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.7% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,660.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 340 individuals in this specialized field, the Coastal Plains Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area exhibits a notable concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.75. This suggests a demand for these professionals that is more than double the national average, implying a robust job market within this specific sector in the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$42,450

The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Coastal Plains Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area earns-29.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20.4

Weekly

$816

Monthly

$3,538

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Coastal Plains Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area

Salary progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive knowledge and responsibility can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding accumulated expertise and leadership.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$28,660$13.8
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$31,838$15.3
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$39,550$19
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$53,063$25.5
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$57,660$27.7

Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$42,450

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$42,450

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $42,450 in the Coastal Plains Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard, making the region's cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the salary's value.

Job Market Context

340

Total Jobs

2.263

Per 1K Jobs

2.75

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Coastal Plains Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area has 2.8x 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.

A Location Quotient of 2.75 for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the Coastal Plains Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area indicates a substantial concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market is relatively competitive for employers seeking talent, as the supply of these specialized workers is more abundant locally than in many other regions across the country.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators

Comparing salaries near Coastal Plains Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area

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 Coastal Plains Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Coastal Plains Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area is $42,450. This typically ranges from $28,660 for entry-level positions to $57,660 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Coastal Plains Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area is 29.6% lower than the national median of $60,280.

Is Coastal Plains Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?

No, not compared to the national average.The average salary of $42,450 is considerably lower than the national average of $60,280. However, the Cost of Living Index is at the national average, meaning the lower salary's purchasing power is comparable locally.

Is Coastal Plains Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Coastal Plains Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Coastal Plains Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Killeen-Temple, TX ($46,180) and Waco, TX.

How does the local workforce size impact job prospects?

A local workforce of 340 suggests a moderately sized pool of professionals, which, combined with a high Location Quotient, indicates a strong local demand for these roles relative to the available workforce.

What does a Location Quotient of 2.75 mean for this role?

A Location Quotient of 2.75 signifies that Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are employed in this region at a rate 2.75 times higher than the national average, pointing to a concentrated industry presence.

How does the Cost of Living affect the salary's real value?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $42,450 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a national average cost of living area, making the nominal difference in salary more significant.

Are there many job opportunities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in this region?

The high Location Quotient suggests that job opportunities are relatively abundant compared to the national average, despite the lower average salary.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 340 employees in the Coastal Plains Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.263 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.