The average salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $57,020. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $57,020 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $75,410.
- Outlook: The current demand for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 130 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Durham-Chapel Hill, NC economy.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-5.4%below the national average.
$27.4
$1,097
$4,752
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 Durham-Chapel Hill, NC have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 31.4%. 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 Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
The earning potential for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC 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 $42,540, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $75,410.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $42,540 | $20.5 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $42,765 | $20.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $59,680 | $28.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $71,275 | $34.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $75,410 | $36.3 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$57,020
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$57,020
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $57,020 to $57,020.
Job Market Context
130
Total Jobs
0.384
Per 1K Jobs
0.47
Location Quotient
At 0.47x, Durham-Chapel Hill, NC 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.
130 people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC.
Only 0.384 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $57,020. This typically ranges from $42,540 for entry-level positions to $75,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 5.4% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $57,020 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Durham-Chapel Hill, NC. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($61,150) and Burlington, NC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 130 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 0.384 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 Durham-Chapel Hill, NC