Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Colorado Springs, CO, earn an impressive average annual salary of $70,170. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $60,280, indicating a strong local demand for these essential professionals. The robust compensation in Colorado Springs is likely driven by a combination of factors including the specific needs of the region's infrastructure and the specialized skills required for maintaining water quality.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $70,170 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $88,500.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 200 professionals and a Location Quotient of 0.78, the Colorado Springs market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators shows a steady, albeit slightly below-average, concentration compared to national levels. This suggests a stable demand for these roles, with opportunities likely arising from ongoing infrastructure maintenance and potential growth in the region's water management needs. The presence of a dedicated workforce indicates a functional labor pool capable of meeting current operational requirements.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Colorado Springs, CO earns+16.4%above the national average.
$33.7
$1,349
$5,848
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Colorado Springs have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing regulatory standards, and the growing complexity of water treatment technologies typically drive upward salary adjustments in this sector, ensuring that compensation keeps pace with the evolving demands of the profession.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Colorado Springs, CO
Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Colorado Springs typically correlates with increased salary. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced operators with specialized certifications and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for advancement, rewarding increased responsibility, technical expertise, and years of dedicated service within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $49,250 | $23.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $52,628 | $25.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $69,900 | $33.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $87,713 | $42.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $88,500 | $42.5 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$70,170
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$70,170
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $70,170 in Colorado Springs presents a favorable financial outlook for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators. With a Cost of Living Index at the national average of 100, this salary translates directly into purchasing power that is on par with the rest of the country. This means that the higher-than-average local wages offer a distinct advantage, allowing professionals to maintain a comfortable standard of living without the financial strain often associated with high-cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
0.642
Per 1K Jobs
0.78
Location Quotient
Colorado Springs, CO has 0.78x 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 0.78 for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Colorado Springs suggests that the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average. This indicates that while the profession is present and valued, the market is not oversaturated. Professionals entering this field may find a moderately competitive landscape, with opportunities available but perhaps requiring a proactive approach to job searching and networking to secure positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Comparing salaries near Colorado Springs, CO
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 Colorado Springs, CO?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Colorado Springs, CO is $70,170. This typically ranges from $49,250 for entry-level positions to $88,500 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Colorado Springs, CO is 16.4% higher than the national median of $60,280.
Is Colorado Springs, CO a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
Yes, Colorado Springs, CO is a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators.The average salary of $70,170 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is right at the national benchmark, offering excellent purchasing power.
Is Colorado Springs, CO a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Colorado Springs, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Colorado Springs, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area ($68,760) and Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 200 indicates a stable, established group of professionals, suggesting consistent operational needs and potential for turnover-based openings.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.78 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0 means the occupation is less concentrated than the national average, implying a potentially less competitive but steady job market.
How does the cost of living in Colorado Springs compare nationally?
Colorado Springs has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning your salary has standard purchasing power.
Are there many Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators jobs per 1,000 workers in Colorado Springs?
With 0.642 jobs per 1,000 workers, the rate is moderate, reflecting a consistent but not overwhelmingly high demand for these specialized roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Colorado Springs, CO area with a job density of 0.642 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Colorado Springs, CO