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Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Jacksonville, FL

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Jacksonville, FL, earn an impressive average annual salary of $68,800. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $60,280, indicating a favorable compensation landscape for these essential professionals in the region. Local demand and the specialized nature of the work likely contribute to this elevated pay scale.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $68,800 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $97,810.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 480 professionals, Jacksonville demonstrates a moderate concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators, as reflected by a Location Quotient of 0.78. While not exceeding the national average concentration, this workforce size suggests a stable and consistent demand for skilled operators to maintain the city's vital water infrastructure.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$68,800

The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Jacksonville, FL earns+14.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$33.1

Weekly

$1,323

Monthly

$5,733

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Jacksonville, FL

Salary progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators is strongly tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while senior operators with extensive experience, specialized certifications, and supervisory responsibilities can earn significantly more, often reaching the higher percentiles. The increasing salary gaps between experience levels highlight clear career advancement opportunities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$42,950$20.6
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$51,600$24.8
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$64,510$31
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$86,000$41.3
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$97,810$47

Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$68,800

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$68,800

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $68,800 in Jacksonville, FL, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an operator's salary in Jacksonville is equivalent to the national average, allowing for a comparable standard of living without the added financial strain of a higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

480

Total Jobs

0.641

Per 1K Jobs

0.78

Location Quotient

Below Average

Jacksonville, FL has 0.78x 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 0.78 suggests that Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are slightly less concentrated in Jacksonville compared to the national average. This indicates a potentially competitive job market, where employers may need to offer attractive compensation and benefits to secure qualified talent, though the market is not necessarily undersupplied.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators

Comparing salaries near Jacksonville, FL

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 Jacksonville, FL?

The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Jacksonville, FL is $68,800. This typically ranges from $42,950 for entry-level positions to $97,810 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Jacksonville, FL is 14.1% higher than the national median of $60,280.

Is Jacksonville, FL a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?

Yes, Jacksonville, FL offers lucrative opportunities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators.The average salary of $68,800 is notably higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, enhancing the real value of this income.

Is Jacksonville, FL a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Jacksonville, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Jacksonville, FL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Brunswick-St. Simons, GA ($46,650) and Gainesville, FL.

How does Jacksonville's Water and Wastewater Operator salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Jacksonville, FL is $68,800, which is higher than the national average of $60,280.

What is the Cost of Living in Jacksonville, FL for these operators?

Jacksonville, FL has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the salary provides average purchasing power.

How many Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators work in Jacksonville, FL?

There are approximately 480 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators employed in Jacksonville, FL.

Is the job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators strong in Jacksonville, FL?

With a Location Quotient of 0.78, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but potentially competitive market for skilled operators.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 480 employees in the Jacksonville, FL area with a job density of 0.641 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.