SalaryNode

Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area earn an impressive average annual salary of $73,180. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $60,280, indicating a premium placed on these essential roles within the local economy. The higher compensation is likely driven by a combination of regional demand, operational complexities, and the cost of living in this dynamic metropolitan area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $73,180 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $94,120.
  • Outlook: The Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metropolitan area supports a local workforce of 910 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators. While the Location Quotient of 0.69 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, the presence of nearly a thousand professionals highlights a stable and established job market. This indicates consistent demand for skilled operators to maintain the region's vital water infrastructure.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$73,180

The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO earns+21.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$35.2

Weekly

$1,407

Monthly

$6,098

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO

Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive knowledge and responsibilities can command salaries well above the average. The discernible gaps between salary percentiles clearly signify the opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within this specialized field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$51,910$25
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$54,885$26.4
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$74,990$36.1
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$91,475$44
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$94,120$45.3

Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$73,180

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$73,180

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $73,180 in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary earned by operators in this region offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average. Consequently, relocating professionals can expect their earnings to cover expenses at a comparable rate to the rest of the country, without a significant hit to their real income.

Job Market Context

910

Total Jobs

0.565

Per 1K Jobs

0.69

Location Quotient

Below Average

Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO has 0.69x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 0.69, the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO market has a slightly lower concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators than the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present, the job market may be less saturated than in other regions. This could translate to a more competitive environment for job seekers, but also potentially better opportunities for those with specialized skills or certifications.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators

CitySalaryDist.
Boulder, CO Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary$70,510↓ 4%27 mi
Greeley, CO Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary$66,400↓ 9%45 mi
Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary$68,760↓ 6%54 mi
Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary$59,970↓ 18%54 mi
Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary$53,250↓ 27%54 mi

Comparing salaries near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, 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 Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?

The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $73,180. This typically ranges from $51,910 for entry-level positions to $94,120 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 21.4% higher than the national median of $60,280.

Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?

Yes, it is a lucrative location.Operators in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO earn approximately $13,000 more annually than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the area financially advantageous for these professionals.

Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?

Some top paying nearby cities include Boulder, CO ($70,510) and Greeley, CO.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $73,180, which is substantially higher than the national average of $60,280.

What is the total number of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area?

There are approximately 910 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators employed within the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metropolitan area.

How does the cost of living in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO affect the salary?

The cost of living in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is exactly at the national average (100). This means the higher salary of $73,180 provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a fair compensation relative to expenses.

Is the job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators concentrated in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?

The Location Quotient of 0.69 indicates that the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, suggesting it's not an exceptionally concentrated market but still offers a solid presence of these roles.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 910 employees in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area with a job density of 0.565 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

Top Jobs in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO

Semantic Salary Analysis for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO