Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Knoxville, TN
In Knoxville, TN, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators earn an average annual salary of $55,360. This figure is notably below the national average of $60,280, suggesting localized economic factors and demand influence compensation within the region. While the nominal pay is lower, understanding the cost of living is crucial for a complete financial picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $55,360 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,550.
- Outlook: Knoxville's market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators appears robust, evidenced by a total local workforce of 480 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.4 indicates a higher concentration of these roles in Knoxville compared to the national average, suggesting consistent demand and a stable job market for skilled operators in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Knoxville, TN earns-8.2%below the national average.
$26.6
$1,065
$4,613
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Knoxville have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing infrastructure needs, regulatory changes, and the ongoing demand for essential utility services.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Knoxville, TN
Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Knoxville typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. Experienced operators, those with specialized certifications or supervisory roles, can command higher salaries, with percentile gaps reflecting the value placed on expertise and years of dedicated service in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,320 | $18.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $41,520 | $20 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $54,030 | $26 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $69,200 | $33.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $77,550 | $37.3 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$55,360
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$55,360
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $55,360 in Knoxville aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's salary in Knoxville is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
480
Total Jobs
1.154
Per 1K Jobs
1.4
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.40, Knoxville, TN has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.4, Knoxville demonstrates a concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators that is 40% higher than the national average. This suggests a more competitive job market for employers seeking talent, while also indicating a healthy availability of opportunities for qualified individuals within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Comparing salaries near Knoxville, TN
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Knoxville, TN?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Knoxville, TN is $55,360. This typically ranges from $38,320 for entry-level positions to $77,550 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Knoxville, TN is 8.2% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is Knoxville, TN a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
No, not more lucrative than the national average.While the local cost of living is average, the nominal salary of $55,360 is below the national average of $60,280, indicating less lucrative compensation compared to the rest of the country.
Is Knoxville, TN a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Knoxville, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Knoxville, TN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Morristown, TN ($48,640) and Cleveland, TN.
How does Knoxville'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 Knoxville, TN is $55,360, which is lower than the national average of $60,280.
What is the concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Knoxville?
Knoxville has a higher concentration of these professionals, with a Location Quotient of 1.4, meaning there are 40% more such jobs relative to the national average.
Does the cost of living in Knoxville affect the salary?
The cost of living in Knoxville is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $55,360 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
Is there high demand for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Knoxville?
The Location Quotient of 1.4 suggests a strong local demand and concentration of these roles, indicating a healthy job market for operators in the area.
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 Knoxville, TN area with a job density of 1.154 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 Knoxville, TN