Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI earn an average annual salary of $61,040. This figure is slightly above the national average of $60,280, indicating a modest premium for operating these critical infrastructure roles within the region. Local demand and the specific operational complexities of the area likely contribute to this competitive compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,040 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $79,060.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 760 individuals in this specialized field, the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn area demonstrates a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, presence of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators. The Location Quotient of 0.48 suggests that while the profession is present, it is less concentrated than the national average, implying a steady but not booming demand for these essential services.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI earns+1.3%above the national average.
$29.4
$1,174
$5,087
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing regulatory standards, and the critical nature of water infrastructure maintenance typically drive upward salary adjustments in this sector.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the gap between the lowest and highest earners often reflects increasing responsibility, specialized certifications, and years of experience, with senior operators commanding substantially higher compensation packages.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $45,430 | $21.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $45,780 | $22 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $61,060 | $29.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $76,300 | $36.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $79,060 | $38 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,040
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$61,040
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $61,040 in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an operator's salary in this metropolitan area is equivalent to the national average, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
760
Total Jobs
0.398
Per 1K Jobs
0.48
Location Quotient
At 0.48x, Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI has a notably lower concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
The Location Quotient of 0.48 for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn indicates that this profession is less concentrated locally compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a consistent need for these skilled workers, the market is not saturated, and opportunities may arise for those with the requisite qualifications.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Monroe, MI Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $59,040↓ 3% | 34 mi |
| Ann Arbor, MI Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $62,850↑ 3% | 35 mi |
| Toledo, OH Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $56,590↓ 7% | 54 mi |
| Flint, MI Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $55,600↓ 9% | 58 mi |
| Sandusky, OH Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $57,690↓ 5% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI is $61,040. This typically ranges from $45,430 for entry-level positions to $79,060 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI is 1.3% higher than the national median of $60,280.
Is Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
Yes, moderately so.The average salary of $61,040 slightly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, providing stable earning potential.
Is Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Monroe, MI ($59,040) and Ann Arbor, MI.
What is the average salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI?
The average annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI is $61,040.
How does the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn ($61,040) is slightly higher than the national average ($60,280).
What is the Cost of Living Index in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI?
The Cost of Living Index in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI is 100, which is the national average.
How concentrated is the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator job market in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI?
The job market for these operators is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.48.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 760 employees in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI area with a job density of 0.398 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 Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI