Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Decatur, AL
The average salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Decatur, AL is $60,550. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market. Notably, Decatur, AL is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.84x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $60,550 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $80,350.
- Outlook: The current demand for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 90 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Decatur, AL economy.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Decatur, AL earns+0.4%above the national average.
$29.1
$1,164
$5,046
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salaries in Decatur, AL have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 21.7%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Decatur, AL
The earning potential for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Decatur, AL 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 $39,390, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $80,350.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $39,390 | $18.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $45,413 | $21.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $59,260 | $28.5 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $75,688 | $36.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $80,350 | $38.6 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$60,550
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$60,550
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Decatur, AL, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $60,550 to $60,550.
Job Market Context
90
Total Jobs
1.512
Per 1K Jobs
1.84
Location Quotient
Decatur, AL has 1.8x 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.
90 people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Decatur, AL.
1.512 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
Comparing salaries near Decatur, AL
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 Decatur, AL?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Decatur, AL is $60,550. This typically ranges from $39,390 for entry-level positions to $80,350 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Decatur, AL is 0.4% higher than the national median of $60,280.
Is Decatur, AL a good place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
Yes, Decatur, AL is an excellent location for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss. It offers both higher-than-average salaries ($60,550) and a high concentration of job opportunities. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Decatur, AL a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Decatur, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Decatur, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Huntsville, AL ($59,910) and Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 90 employees in the Decatur, AL area with a job density of 1.512 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 Decatur, AL