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Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Florida

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Florida earn an average annual salary of $61,550. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $60,280, indicating a favorable compensation landscape within the state. Factors such as Florida's robust infrastructure needs and specialized environmental regulations likely contribute to this competitive pay.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $61,550 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.5% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $89,620.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 7,560, Florida demonstrates a substantial presence of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators. The location quotient of 0.94 suggests that the concentration of these professionals in Florida is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for their essential services across the state's numerous municipalities and industrial facilities.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$61,550

The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Florida earns+2.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$29.6

Weekly

$1,184

Monthly

$5,129

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Florida

Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Florida typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive knowledge of complex systems and regulatory compliance can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the value placed on accumulated expertise and responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$39,640$19.1
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$46,163$22.2
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$58,630$28.2
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$76,938$37
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$89,620$43.1

Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$61,550

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$60,166

Adjusted for COL (102.3)

The nominal average salary of $61,550 in Florida needs to be considered alongside the state's Cost of Living Index of 102.3. This index indicates that the cost of living in Florida is slightly above the national average. Therefore, while the salary is competitive, the purchasing power of $61,550 will be marginally reduced compared to areas with a lower cost of living.

Job Market Context

7,560

Total Jobs

0.77

Per 1K Jobs

0.94

Location Quotient

Below Average

Florida has 0.94x 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.

A location quotient of 0.94 suggests that Florida has a job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators that is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This implies a balanced market where opportunities are present but not overwhelmingly abundant, indicating a healthy level of competition and stability for skilled professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Florida?

The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Florida is $61,550. This typically ranges from $39,640 for entry-level positions to $89,620 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Florida is 2.1% higher than the national median of $60,280.

Is Florida a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?

Yes, Florida offers a slightly above-average compensation for these professionals.The average salary in Florida is $61,550, which is higher than the national average. While the cost of living is also slightly above average, the nominal salary still presents a favorable financial outlook.

Is Florida a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Florida is 102.3. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Florida?

Some top paying nearby cities include Sebring, FL ($49,600) and Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL.

How does Florida's job market compare to the national average for this role?

Florida's job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators is very similar to the national average, with a location quotient of 0.94. This indicates a comparable concentration of these jobs relative to the overall workforce.

What is the typical salary range for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Florida?

While the average is $61,550, salaries can vary significantly based on experience, specific responsibilities, and the employing municipality or company. Entry-level roles will be lower, while senior positions can command substantially higher pay.

Are there many job opportunities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Florida?

With a workforce of 7,560, Florida has a significant number of these professionals. The job market is stable, reflecting the ongoing need to manage and maintain essential water and wastewater infrastructure.

How does the cost of living affect the salary of a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator in Florida?

Florida's cost of living is about 2.3% higher than the national average. This means that while the $61,550 salary is good, it will afford slightly less purchasing power than the same salary in a lower-cost area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,560 employees in the Florida area with a job density of 0.77 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.