Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Lake Charles, LA
The average salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Lake Charles, LA is $49,780. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Lake Charles, LA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $49,780 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,280.
- Outlook: The current demand for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 80 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Lake Charles, LA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Lake Charles, LA earns-17.4%below the national average.
$23.9
$957
$4,148
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 Lake Charles, LA have remained stable with a modest increase of 8.6%. 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 Lake Charles, LA
The earning potential for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Lake Charles, LA varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 2.7x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $28,430, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $77,280.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $28,430 | $13.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $37,335 | $17.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $43,550 | $20.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $62,225 | $29.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $77,280 | $37.2 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$49,780
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$49,780
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Lake Charles, LA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $49,780 to $49,780.
Job Market Context
80
Total Jobs
0.811
Per 1K Jobs
0.99
Location Quotient
Lake Charles, LA has 0.99x 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.
80 people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Lake Charles, LA.
Only 0.811 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
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $51,890↑ 4% | 56 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $43,650↓ 12% | 70 mi |
| Alexandria, LA Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $48,360↓ 3% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lake Charles, LA
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 Lake Charles, LA?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Lake Charles, LA is $49,780. This typically ranges from $28,430 for entry-level positions to $77,280 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lake Charles, LA is 17.4% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is Lake Charles, LA a good place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Lake Charles, LA is $49,780 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Lake Charles, LA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Lake Charles, LA a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Lake Charles, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lake Charles, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($51,890) and Lafayette, LA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 80 employees in the Lake Charles, LA area with a job density of 0.811 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 Lake Charles, LA