Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Huntsville, AL
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Huntsville, AL earn an average annual salary of $59,910. This figure is slightly below the national average of $60,280, indicating a near-parity in compensation for this essential role within the local market. Factors such as regional demand and the specific operational needs of Huntsville's infrastructure likely influence this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $59,910 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $83,860.
- Outlook: The job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Huntsville, AL, shows a healthy concentration, with a Location Quotient of 1.14, suggesting a slightly higher presence of these roles compared to the national average. With a total local workforce of 240 professionals in this field, the demand appears stable and well-supported within the community's infrastructure needs.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Huntsville, AL earns-0.6%below the national average.
$28.8
$1,152
$4,993
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Huntsville is not provided, the trend for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators nationally has generally shown consistent growth over the past four years. This upward trajectory is driven by ongoing infrastructure investments and the critical, non-discretionary nature of water and wastewater management, suggesting a positive outlook for salary progression in Huntsville as well.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Huntsville, AL
Salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Huntsville, AL, naturally scale with experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive certifications and responsibilities can command significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps between entry-level, mid-career, and senior operators reflect a clear career progression path within this specialized field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $37,970 | $18.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $44,933 | $21.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $60,220 | $29 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $74,888 | $36 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $83,860 | $40.3 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$59,910
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$59,910
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $59,910 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, the nominal salary in Huntsville, AL, holds its purchasing power directly in line with the national average. This means that the $59,910 earned by a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator in Huntsville will afford a lifestyle comparable to someone earning the national average salary in a location with a national average cost of living.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
0.937
Per 1K Jobs
1.14
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.14, Huntsville, AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators roles compared to the national norm.
Huntsville, AL, exhibits a Location Quotient of 1.14 for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these jobs than the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market where demand is present and potentially growing, offering good opportunities for skilled professionals without being oversaturated.
Nearby Job Markets
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Comparing salaries near Huntsville, AL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Huntsville, AL?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Huntsville, AL is $59,910. This typically ranges from $37,970 for entry-level positions to $83,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Huntsville, AL is 0.6% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is Huntsville, AL a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
Yes, Huntsville, AL offers a competitive environment for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators.The average salary is nearly on par with the national average, and the cost of living is also at the national average, providing strong purchasing power. Furthermore, a Location Quotient above 1.0 indicates a healthy concentration of these roles.
Is Huntsville, AL a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Huntsville, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Huntsville, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Decatur, AL ($60,550) and Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL.
How does the Huntsville salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Huntsville, AL is $59,910, which is very close to the national average of $60,280.
What is the Cost of Living in Huntsville, AL?
Huntsville, AL has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
Is there high demand for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Huntsville?
With a Location Quotient of 1.14, there is a slightly higher concentration of these jobs in Huntsville compared to the national average, suggesting a stable to good demand for professionals in this field.
How many Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators work in Huntsville?
There are approximately 240 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators employed in Huntsville, AL.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Huntsville, AL area with a job density of 0.937 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 Huntsville, AL