Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
In Fort Smith, AR-OK, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators earn an average annual salary of $41,090. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $60,280, suggesting that local economic factors and demand play a significant role in compensation for this essential role within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,090 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $54,380.
- Outlook: The job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Fort Smith, AR-OK, appears robust, with a total local workforce of 230 individuals. The high Location Quotient of 2.94 indicates a significant concentration of these jobs relative to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a specialized employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-31.8%below the national average.
$19.8
$790
$3,424
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages for skilled essential service professionals. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for infrastructure maintenance, and evolving regulatory standards.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
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 expected salary gap between junior and experienced operators in Fort Smith, AR-OK, would signify substantial opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential as skills and responsibilities grow.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $31,230 | $15 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $30,818 | $14.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $38,310 | $18.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $51,363 | $24.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $54,380 | $26.1 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,090
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,090
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $41,090 in Fort Smith, AR-OK, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is equivalent to the national average, indicating that while the salary is below the national average for the profession, it is balanced by a cost of living that is not higher than the national norm.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
2.417
Per 1K Jobs
2.94
Location Quotient
Fort Smith, AR-OK has 2.9x 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 2.94, Fort Smith, AR-OK, exhibits a job market that is nearly three times more concentrated with Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators than the national average. This high concentration suggests a specialized demand for these professionals within the region, potentially leading to greater job security and opportunities for those with relevant expertise.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $46,470↑ 13% | 51 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $37,320↓ 9% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
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 Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $41,090. This typically ranges from $31,230 for entry-level positions to $54,380 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 31.8% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
No, not compared to the national average salary.While the Cost of Living is at the national average, the average salary of $41,090 is significantly lower than the national average of $60,280 for this role.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Smith, AR-OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR ($46,470) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does the local workforce size impact job prospects?
A local workforce of 230 indicates a moderately sized, specialized pool of operators. While not a massive market, the high concentration (LQ of 2.94) suggests consistent demand within this segment.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.94 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 2.94 signifies that Fort Smith, AR-OK, has a significantly higher proportion of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators jobs compared to the national average, indicating a strong regional specialization and demand.
How does the Cost of Living affect the $41,090 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the $41,090 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than elsewhere in the US.
Are there many job openings for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The data indicates 2.417 jobs per 1,000 workers, suggesting a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, number of openings relative to the overall workforce size.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 2.417 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 Fort Smith, AR-OK