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Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Fort Wayne, IN

The average salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Fort Wayne, IN is $57,480. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $57,480 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $64,480.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 190 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Fort Wayne, IN economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$57,480

The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Fort Wayne, IN earns-4.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$27.6

Weekly

$1,105

Monthly

$4,790

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Fort Wayne, IN

The earning potential for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Fort Wayne, IN 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 $45,570, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $64,480.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$45,570$21.9
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$43,110$20.7
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$58,730$28.2
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$71,850$34.5
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$64,480$31

Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$57,480

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$57,480

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Fort Wayne, IN, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $57,480 to $57,480.

Job Market Context

190

Total Jobs

0.828

Per 1K Jobs

1.01

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.01, Fort Wayne, IN has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators roles compared to the national norm.

190 people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Fort Wayne, IN.

Only 0.828 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

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 Wayne, IN?

The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Fort Wayne, IN is $57,480. This typically ranges from $45,570 for entry-level positions to $64,480 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Fort Wayne, IN is 4.6% lower than the national median of $60,280.

Is Fort Wayne, IN 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 Fort Wayne, IN is $57,480 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Fort Wayne, IN. See distinct detailed breakdown below.

Is Fort Wayne, IN a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Fort Wayne, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Wayne, IN?

Some top paying nearby cities include Lima, OH ($59,810) and Elkhart-Goshen, IN.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 190 employees in the Fort Wayne, IN area with a job density of 0.828 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.