SalaryNode

Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Greensboro-High Point, NC

In Greensboro-High Point, NC, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators earn an average annual salary of $50,700. This figure is notably below the national average of $60,280, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially regional demand influence compensation for these essential roles. While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the salary differential warrants closer examination for professionals in this sector.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $50,700 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,630.
  • Outlook: The Greensboro-High Point area supports a local workforce of 220 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators. With a Location Quotient of 0.75, the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, indicating a moderately developed but not oversaturated market. The presence of 0.614 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for skilled professionals in this field within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$50,700

The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Greensboro-High Point, NC earns-15.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$24.4

Weekly

$975

Monthly

$4,225

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Greensboro-High Point, NC

Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. Junior operators may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while those with extensive experience, specialized certifications, and supervisory responsibilities can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for advancement and the value placed on accumulated expertise and leadership.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$38,270$18.4
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$38,025$18.3
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$50,060$24.1
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$63,375$30.5
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$61,630$29.6

Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$50,700

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$50,700

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $50,700 in Greensboro-High Point, NC, 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 standard, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability. Professionals relocating to this area can expect their earnings to cover local expenses at a rate comparable to the national average.

Job Market Context

220

Total Jobs

0.614

Per 1K Jobs

0.75

Location Quotient

Below Average

Greensboro-High Point, NC has 0.75x 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 0.75 for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Greensboro-High Point indicates that the industry is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the job market may be less competitive than in areas with a higher concentration of these roles. It implies a steady demand that aligns with the available workforce, without an overwhelming surplus of candidates or a critical shortage.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Greensboro-High Point, NC?

The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Greensboro-High Point, NC is $50,700. This typically ranges from $38,270 for entry-level positions to $61,630 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Greensboro-High Point, NC is 15.9% lower than the national median of $60,280.

Is Greensboro-High Point, NC a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $50,700 is below the national average of $60,280, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.

Is Greensboro-High Point, NC a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Greensboro-High Point, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Greensboro-High Point, NC?

Some top paying nearby cities include Burlington, NC ($48,450) and Winston-Salem, NC.

How does the Greensboro-High Point salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Greensboro-High Point is $50,700, which is lower than the national average of $60,280.

What is the Cost of Living in Greensboro-High Point, NC?

The Cost of Living Index in Greensboro-High Point is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning it is neither more nor less expensive to live there compared to the rest of the country.

How concentrated is the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator job market in Greensboro-High Point?

The job market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.75, suggesting a moderate level of demand relative to the national workforce.

What is the total number of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Greensboro-High Point?

There are approximately 220 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators employed in the Greensboro-High Point area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Greensboro-High Point, NC area with a job density of 0.614 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.