Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area earn an average annual salary of $54,550. This figure is notably below the national average of $60,280. Local market dynamics, including the specific demand and supply of these essential roles within the region, often dictate pay scales that can diverge from national trends.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,550 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $75,010.
- Outlook: The Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX metropolitan area employs approximately 1,960 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators. With a Location Quotient of 0.73, the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally concentrated job market. The presence of a significant workforce indicates ongoing demand for these critical services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX earns-9.5%below the national average.
$26.2
$1,049
$4,546
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Houston 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. This growth is typically driven by increasing infrastructure needs, regulatory changes, and the ongoing demand for clean water and effective wastewater management.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive knowledge and responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the career advancement opportunities available within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $37,450 | $18 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $40,913 | $19.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $51,310 | $24.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $68,188 | $32.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $75,010 | $36.1 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,550
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,550
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $54,550 in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
1,960
Total Jobs
0.603
Per 1K Jobs
0.73
Location Quotient
Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX has 0.73x 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 0.73 for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX indicates that the job market for this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a consistent need for these roles, the supply might be relatively balanced or slightly more abundant compared to other regions, potentially influencing wage competitiveness.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $51,890↓ 5% | 77 mi |
| College Station-Bryan, TX Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $49,180↓ 10% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
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 Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is $54,550. This typically ranges from $37,450 for entry-level positions to $75,010 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 9.5% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $54,550 is below the national average of $60,280, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($51,890) and College Station-Bryan, TX.
What is the average salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator in Houston?
The average annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area is $54,550.
How does the Houston salary compare to the national average?
The Houston average salary of $54,550 is lower than the national average of $60,280 for this profession.
What is the Cost of Living in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?
The Cost of Living Index for Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated is the job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Houston?
The job market concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.73, is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,960 employees in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area with a job density of 0.603 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 Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX