Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $44,690. This figure is notably below the national average of $60,280, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a different demand structure for these essential services in this specific locale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,690 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,960.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 210 individuals in this specialized role, the Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a concentrated demand, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.03. This suggests that the occupation is more prevalent here than the national average, implying a stable, albeit niche, job market for skilled operators.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area earns-25.9%below the national average.
$21.5
$859
$3,724
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and the increasing importance of maintaining critical infrastructure.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators typically involves a salary increase from entry-level positions to senior roles. While specific percentile data isn't available, the gap between starting and experienced operator salaries would signify significant earning potential as one gains expertise and takes on greater responsibility within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $24,810 | $11.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $33,518 | $16.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $44,420 | $21.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $55,863 | $26.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $61,960 | $29.8 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,690
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,690
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $44,690 in the Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national average, making it a neutral factor for relocation from a cost perspective.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
1.672
Per 1K Jobs
2.03
Location Quotient
Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area has 2.0x 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.
The Location Quotient of 2.03 for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area indicates a significant concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This suggests a robust local demand and potentially less competition for qualified professionals compared to areas with a lower LQ.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson, MS Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $46,750↑ 5% | 43 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area
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 Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area is $44,690. This typically ranges from $24,810 for entry-level positions to $61,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area is 25.9% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
No, but cost-effective.While the average salary of $44,690 is below the national average, the Cost of Living Index of 100 means that your earnings have equivalent purchasing power to the national average.
Is Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jackson, MS ($46,750) and others.
How does the Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area compare to the national average for this role?
The average salary in Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area ($44,690) is significantly lower than the national average ($60,280), but the Cost of Living Index is the same (100), indicating comparable purchasing power.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.03 mean for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
A Location Quotient of 2.03 signifies that this occupation is more than twice as common in the Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average, suggesting higher local demand.
Is the job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators stable in this region?
With a concentrated workforce and a high Location Quotient, the job market for these operators in the Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area appears to be stable and in demand relative to national concentrations.
How does the cost of living affect the salary of a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator in this area?
The Cost of Living Index of 100 means the $44,690 salary has the same buying power as the national average salary, making it neither particularly expensive nor cheap to live on in this region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.672 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 Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area