Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Merced, CA
Yes, Merced, CA is a highly lucrative market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss. With an average annual salary of $73,820, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm. Notably, Merced, CA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.44x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $73,820 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 44.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $98,350.
- Outlook: The current demand for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 90 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Merced, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Merced, CA earns+22.5%above the national average.
$35.5
$1,420
$6,152
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 Merced, CA have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 44.0%. 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 Merced, CA
The earning potential for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Merced, CA 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 $46,230, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $98,350.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $46,230 | $22.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $55,365 | $26.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $78,320 | $37.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $92,275 | $44.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $98,350 | $47.3 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$73,820
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$73,820
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Merced, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $73,820 to $73,820.
Job Market Context
90
Total Jobs
1.18
Per 1K Jobs
1.44
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.44, Merced, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators roles compared to the national norm.
90 people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Merced, CA.
1.18 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 Merced, CA
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 Merced, CA?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Merced, CA is $73,820. This typically ranges from $46,230 for entry-level positions to $98,350 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Merced, CA is 22.5% higher than the national median of $60,280.
Is Merced, CA a good place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
Yes, Merced, CA is an excellent location for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss. It offers both higher-than-average salaries ($73,820) and a high concentration of job opportunities. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Merced, CA a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Merced, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Merced, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Modesto, CA ($79,920) and Fresno, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 90 employees in the Merced, CA area with a job density of 1.18 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
Top Jobs in Merced, CA
- All Occupations Salary in Merced, CA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Merced, CA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Merced, CA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Merced, CA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Merced, CA
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Merced, CA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Merced, CA
- Production Occupations Salary in Merced, CA
- Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary in Merced, CA
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides Salary in Merced, CA
- Browse All Jobs in Merced, CA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Merced, CA