The average salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is $53,350. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power. Notably, Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.64x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $53,350 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,110.
- Outlook: The current demand for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 140 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN economy.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN earns-11.5%below the national average.
$25.7
$1,026
$4,446
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salaries in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN have shown healthy growth of 16.4%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
The earning potential for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN 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 $42,310, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $60,110.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $42,310 | $20.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $40,013 | $19.2 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $51,470 | $24.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $66,688 | $32.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $60,110 | $28.9 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$53,350
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$53,350
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $53,350 to $53,350.
Job Market Context
140
Total Jobs
1.35
Per 1K Jobs
1.64
Location Quotient
Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN has 1.6x 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.
140 people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN.
1.35 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators positions — a typical concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Comparing salaries near Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
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 Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is $53,350. This typically ranges from $42,310 for entry-level positions to $60,110 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is 11.5% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN a good place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
Yes, Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($53,350), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kokomo, IN ($67,740) and Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 140 employees in the Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN area with a job density of 1.35 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 Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN