In the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR metropolitan area, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators earn an average annual salary of $47,940. This figure is notably below the national average of $60,280, suggesting localized economic factors and potentially a different supply-demand dynamic are influencing compensation in this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,940 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $67,560.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 380 individuals in this specialized field, the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR area demonstrates a stable, albeit not expansive, job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators. The concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.32, suggests a slightly higher prevalence of these roles compared to the national average, implying a consistent, moderate demand for skilled operators.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR earns-20.5%below the national average.
$23.1
$922
$3,995
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators have experienced steady 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 Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive knowledge and responsibilities can command salaries considerably higher than the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the value placed on accumulated expertise and leadership within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $35,150 | $16.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $35,955 | $17.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $45,740 | $22 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $59,925 | $28.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $67,560 | $32.5 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,940
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$47,940
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $47,940 in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an operator's salary in this region is comparable to the national average, indicating that while the salary is lower than the national average for the role, the cost of living does not exacerbate this difference.
Job Market Context
380
Total Jobs
1.088
Per 1K Jobs
1.32
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.32, Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.32 for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR indicates a market concentration that is 32% higher than the national average. This suggests that the demand for these professionals is relatively robust within the region, and the job market may be more competitive or offer more opportunities compared to areas with a lower quotient.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Comparing salaries near Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is $47,940. This typically ranges from $35,150 for entry-level positions to $67,560 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is 20.5% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary of $47,940 is significantly lower than the national average of $60,280 for this profession.
Is Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR?
Some top paying nearby cities include South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area ($39,840) and North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is $47,940, which is substantially lower than the national average of $60,280.
What is the Cost of Living in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR?
The Cost of Living Index for Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the purchasing power of the local salary is on par with the national average.
How concentrated is the job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in this area?
The job market is more concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.32, indicating a slightly higher prevalence of these roles.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers signify?
With 1.088 jobs per 1,000 workers, this metric suggests a moderate presence of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator roles within the overall local employment landscape.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 380 employees in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR area with a job density of 1.088 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 Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR