Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas earn an average annual salary of $44,520. This figure is notably below the national average of $60,280, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially lower demand in less populated areas. The specific economic landscape and operational needs of these nonmetropolitan regions directly influence compensation levels for essential utility roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,520 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,090.
- Outlook: The job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas appears stable, with a local workforce of 570 individuals. The location quotient of 1.86 suggests a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a consistent, albeit localized, demand for skilled operators in these communities.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Kansas nonmetropolitan area earns-26.1%below the national average.
$21.4
$856
$3,710
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Kansas nonmetropolitan areas have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in utility sector compensation. This growth is likely driven by increasing operational complexities, the need for specialized skills, and general inflation.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Kansas nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles of the salary range. These percentile gaps clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $33,840 | $16.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $33,390 | $16.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $46,090 | $22.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $55,650 | $26.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $56,090 | $27 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,520
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,520
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $44,520 in Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national standard, making the cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the real value of the salary.
Job Market Context
570
Total Jobs
1.53
Per 1K Jobs
1.86
Location Quotient
Kansas nonmetropolitan area has 1.9x the national concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a location quotient of 1.86, Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas exhibit a concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators that is 86% higher than the national average. This suggests a robust local demand for these professionals relative to the general workforce, making the job market potentially more accessible for qualified candidates within these specific regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Manhattan, KS Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $49,610↑ 11% | 46 mi |
| Topeka, KS Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $45,390↑ 2% | 66 mi |
| Wichita, KS Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $47,440↑ 7% | 67 mi |
| Lawrence, KS Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $55,750↑ 25% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kansas nonmetropolitan area
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 Kansas nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Kansas nonmetropolitan area is $44,520. This typically ranges from $33,840 for entry-level positions to $56,090 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kansas nonmetropolitan area is 26.1% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is Kansas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
No, it is not considered lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $44,520 is significantly lower than the national average of $60,280. However, the cost of living is at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is Kansas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Kansas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kansas nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Manhattan, KS ($49,610) and Topeka, KS.
How does the local workforce size impact job prospects?
A local workforce of 570 indicates a moderate pool of existing professionals. While not excessively large, it suggests a stable presence of these roles within the nonmetropolitan Kansas economy.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.86 signify?
A Location Quotient of 1.86 means that Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are more concentrated in this area than the national average. This implies a higher relative demand for these specialized roles within the local job market.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local expenses are on par with the national average. Therefore, the $44,520 salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national median, despite being a lower nominal figure.
What are the typical career paths for these operators?
Career paths often involve starting as an apprentice or junior operator, progressing to certified operator, and potentially moving into supervisory or management roles within water and wastewater treatment facilities as experience and certifications grow.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 570 employees in the Kansas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.53 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 nonmetropolitan area