Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area earn an average annual salary of $57,370. This figure is slightly below the national average of $60,280, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially regional demand influence compensation for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $57,370 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,600.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 410 professionals in this field, the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood area demonstrates a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, presence of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators. The Location Quotient of 0.88 indicates a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, suggesting a moderate but consistent demand for these specialized skills within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI earns-4.8%below the national average.
$27.6
$1,103
$4,781
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Grand Rapids is not provided, it is generally assumed that the demand for essential services like water and wastewater treatment has seen steady growth over the past four years. This sustained need typically translates into incremental salary increases, reflecting the ongoing importance of these positions and the skills required to maintain public health and infrastructure.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Salary progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators is significantly influenced by experience and skill level. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications and years of operational expertise can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career trajectory available, rewarding increased responsibility and specialized knowledge.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $43,240 | $20.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $43,028 | $20.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $57,670 | $27.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $71,713 | $34.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $77,600 | $37.3 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$57,370
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$57,370
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $57,370 in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced financial landscape for professionals considering a move to or within the area.
Job Market Context
410
Total Jobs
0.727
Per 1K Jobs
0.88
Location Quotient
Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI has 0.88x 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 0.88 for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, suggests that the job market here is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This implies a potentially balanced environment where demand exists, but the field is not oversaturated, offering reasonable opportunities for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Comparing salaries near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $57,370. This typically ranges from $43,240 for entry-level positions to $77,600 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 4.8% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $57,370 is below the national average of $60,280, although the cost of living is at the national average, making the effective purchasing power comparable.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI ($56,740) and Kalamazoo-Portage, MI.
What is the average salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The average annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area is $57,370.
How does the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI ($57,370) is slightly lower than the national average salary of $60,280 for this profession.
What is the Cost of Living Index in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The Cost of Living Index for Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated is the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator job market in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The job market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.88, indicating a moderate presence of these professionals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 410 employees in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area with a job density of 0.727 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 Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI