Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $51,850. This figure is notably below the national average of $60,280, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially lower demand in nonmetropolitan settings. The specific pay scale in this area is influenced by the local cost of living and the concentration of these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $51,850 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $68,700.
- Outlook: The job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area appears robust, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.87. This suggests a concentration of these jobs significantly higher than the national average, implying strong local demand relative to the workforce size of 220 individuals. The presence of 1.54 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the importance and availability of these positions within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-14.0%below the national average.
$24.9
$997
$4,321
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 the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development, increased infrastructure investment, and the persistent need for these essential services likely contribute to a steady, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory in compensation.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive knowledge and responsibility can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights the value placed on expertise and years of dedicated service in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $36,740 | $17.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $38,888 | $18.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $50,490 | $24.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $64,813 | $31.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $68,700 | $33 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$51,850
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$51,850
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $51,850 in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is equivalent to the national standard. Consequently, relocating to this area for this role offers a cost-of-living advantage that can offset the lower nominal wage.
Job Market Context
220
Total Jobs
1.54
Per 1K Jobs
1.87
Location Quotient
East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area has 1.9x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 1.87, the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators compared to the national average. This indicates a strong local demand for these professionals, suggesting that the job market is relatively abundant with opportunities for qualified individuals. The concentration implies that these roles are a vital component of the regional infrastructure and economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Comparing salaries near East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
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 East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $51,850. This typically ranges from $36,740 for entry-level positions to $68,700 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 14.0% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
No, but cost-effective.While the average salary of $51,850 is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power equivalent. The high concentration of jobs suggests strong local demand.
Is East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($55,570) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $51,850, which is lower than the national average of $60,280.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in East Tennessee?
An LQ of 1.87 indicates that Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are more concentrated in this region than the national average, suggesting a higher demand relative to the workforce size.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $51,850 salary in East Tennessee offers the same purchasing power as the national average salary, despite being nominally lower.
What is the total workforce size for this role in the area?
There are approximately 220 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators employed in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.54 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 East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area