Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Kansas City, MO-KS
In Kansas City, MO-KS, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators earn an average annual salary of $54,990. This figure is notably below the national average of $60,280, suggesting localized economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation in this metropolitan area. The specific needs and economic structure of the Kansas City region play a significant role in setting this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,990 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $67,540.
- Outlook: The Kansas City, MO-KS market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators is moderately sized, with a total local workforce of 790 individuals. A Location Quotient of 0.88 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. While not a high-demand hotspot, the steady presence of these essential jobs suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Kansas City, MO-KS earns-8.8%below the national average.
$26.4
$1,058
$4,583
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Kansas City's Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries in this sector have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Increases in operational costs, regulatory demands, and the need for skilled professionals typically drive incremental salary adjustments in essential utility services.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Kansas City, MO-KS
Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Kansas City, MO-KS, typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data isn't available, the gap between starting and experienced roles often reflects the acquisition of specialized skills, certifications, and supervisory responsibilities, with senior operators commanding considerably higher compensation.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $39,780 | $19.1 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $41,243 | $19.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $51,290 | $24.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $68,738 | $33 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $67,540 | $32.5 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,990
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,990
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $54,990 in Kansas City, MO-KS aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial footing for operators residing in the area without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
790
Total Jobs
0.723
Per 1K Jobs
0.88
Location Quotient
Kansas City, MO-KS 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.88, the Kansas City, MO-KS market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a dominant industry within the region's employment landscape, indicating a potentially balanced job market with moderate competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lawrence, KS Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $55,750↑ 1% | 38 mi |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $55,750↑ 1% | 47 mi |
| Topeka, KS Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $45,390↓ 17% | 60 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kansas City, MO-KS
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Kansas City, MO-KS?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Kansas City, MO-KS is $54,990. This typically ranges from $39,780 for entry-level positions to $67,540 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kansas City, MO-KS is 8.8% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is Kansas City, MO-KS 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 $54,990 is below the national average of $60,280, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Kansas City, MO-KS a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Kansas City, MO-KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kansas City, MO-KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lawrence, KS ($55,750) and St. Joseph, MO-KS.
How does the Kansas City salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Kansas City, MO-KS is $54,990, which is $5,290 less than the national average of $60,280.
What is the concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Kansas City, MO-KS?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.88, indicating a slightly lower presence of these jobs compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Kansas City, MO-KS?
The cost of living in Kansas City, MO-KS is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $54,990 salary offers average purchasing power relative to the rest of the country.
What is the total number of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Kansas City, MO-KS?
There are approximately 790 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators employed in the Kansas City, MO-KS metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 790 employees in the Kansas City, MO-KS area with a job density of 0.723 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 Kansas City, MO-KS