SalaryNode

Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Kennewick-Richland, WA

Yes, Kennewick-Richland, WA is a highly lucrative market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss. With an average annual salary of $72,980, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $72,980 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $87,860.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 90 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Kennewick-Richland, WA economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$72,980

The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Kennewick-Richland, WA earns+21.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$35.1

Weekly

$1,403

Monthly

$6,082

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Kennewick-Richland, WA

The earning potential for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Kennewick-Richland, WA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $53,760, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $87,860.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$53,760$25.8
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$54,735$26.3
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$78,020$37.5
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$91,225$43.9
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$87,860$42.2

Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$72,980

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$72,980

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Kennewick-Richland, WA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $72,980 to $72,980.

Job Market Context

90

Total Jobs

0.676

Per 1K Jobs

0.82

Location Quotient

Below Average

Kennewick-Richland, WA has 0.82x 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.

90 people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Kennewick-Richland, WA.

Only 0.676 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators roles — this is a niche profession in the area.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators

Comparing salaries near Kennewick-Richland, WA

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 Kennewick-Richland, WA?

The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Kennewick-Richland, WA is $72,980. This typically ranges from $53,760 for entry-level positions to $87,860 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Kennewick-Richland, WA is 21.1% higher than the national median of $60,280.

Is Kennewick-Richland, WA a good place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?

Yes, Kennewick-Richland, WA is financially attractive for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss. The average salary of $72,980 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.

Is Kennewick-Richland, WA a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Kennewick-Richland, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Kennewick-Richland, WA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Walla Walla, WA ($66,150) and Yakima, WA.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 90 employees in the Kennewick-Richland, WA area with a job density of 0.676 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.