Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $46,200. This figure is notably below the national average of $60,280. The lower compensation in this region is often attributed to a combination of factors, including potentially lower demand relative to national hubs and regional economic conditions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $46,200 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,400.
- Outlook: The job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area appears to be stable, with a total local workforce of 260 individuals. The location quotient of 2.75 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a specialized and potentially robust local demand for these essential services.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area earns-23.4%below the national average.
$22.2
$888
$3,850
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in the Eastern Region of Texas is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as increasing infrastructure investment, growing environmental regulations, and the essential nature of water and wastewater services typically drive modest but consistent salary growth in this sector.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators typically scales with experience and certifications. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive experience, specialized skills, and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching well into the upper percentiles of the salary range.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $32,570 | $15.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $34,650 | $16.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $45,860 | $22 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $57,750 | $27.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $61,400 | $29.5 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$46,200
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$46,200
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $46,200 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (which is on par with the national average), the nominal salary in the Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living does not exacerbate the difference in real terms.
Job Market Context
260
Total Jobs
2.258
Per 1K Jobs
2.75
Location Quotient
Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area has 2.8x 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.
The location quotient of 2.75 for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area signifies a strong concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market here is more specialized and potentially offers more opportunities for those in this profession compared to a national average distribution.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Comparing salaries near Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area is $46,200. This typically ranges from $32,570 for entry-level positions to $61,400 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area is 23.4% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
No, not in terms of nominal salary.While the concentration of jobs is high (LQ of 2.75), the average salary of $46,200 is significantly lower than the national average of $60,280.
Is Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Killeen-Temple, TX ($46,180) and Waco, TX.
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 Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area is $46,200, which is substantially lower than the national average of $60,280.
What is the concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators jobs in this region?
This region has a high concentration of these jobs, indicated by a location quotient of 2.75, meaning there are 2.75 times more of these jobs here than the national average relative to the overall workforce.
How does the cost of living affect the $46,200 salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the $46,200 salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.
What is the total number of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area?
There are approximately 260 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators employed in the Eastern Region of Texas 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 260 employees in the Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.258 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 Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area