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Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Manhattan, KS

The average salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Manhattan, KS is $49,610. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Manhattan, KS may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power. Notably, Manhattan, KS is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.71x higher than average.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $49,610 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $65,500.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 70 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Manhattan, KS economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$49,610

The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Manhattan, KS earns-17.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$23.9

Weekly

$954

Monthly

$4,134

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Manhattan, KS

The earning potential for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Manhattan, KS 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 $34,430, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $65,500.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$34,430$16.6
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$37,208$17.9
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$46,050$22.1
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$62,013$29.8
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$65,500$31.5

Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$49,610

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$49,610

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Manhattan, KS, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $49,610 to $49,610.

Job Market Context

70

Total Jobs

1.409

Per 1K Jobs

1.71

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Manhattan, KS has 1.7x 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.

70 people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Manhattan, KS.

1.409 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

CitySalaryDist.
Kansas nonmetropolitan area Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary$44,520↓ 10%46 mi
Topeka, KS Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary$45,390↓ 9%50 mi
Lawrence, KS Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary$55,750↑ 12%74 mi

Comparing salaries near Manhattan, KS

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 Manhattan, KS?

The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Manhattan, KS is $49,610. This typically ranges from $34,430 for entry-level positions to $65,500 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Manhattan, KS is 17.7% lower than the national median of $60,280.

Is Manhattan, KS a good place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?

Yes, Manhattan, KS is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($49,610), 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 Manhattan, KS a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Manhattan, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Manhattan, KS?

Some top paying nearby cities include Kansas nonmetropolitan area ($44,520) and Topeka, KS.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 70 employees in the Manhattan, KS area with a job density of 1.409 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Explore Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salaries by State

Semantic Salary Analysis for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Manhattan, KS