Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI, earn an average annual salary of $64,800. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $60,280, suggesting that local demand and specific operational needs in the region contribute to a more competitive compensation landscape for these essential professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $64,800 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $80,720.
- Outlook: The Milwaukee-Waukesha area supports a local workforce of 420 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators. With a Location Quotient of 0.62, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, indicating a potentially stable, albeit not hyper-concentrated, job market. The presence of a dedicated workforce suggests consistent demand for skilled operators to maintain the region's vital water infrastructure.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI earns+7.5%above the national average.
$31.2
$1,246
$5,400
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 Milwaukee-Waukesha have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing operational complexities, regulatory changes, and the ongoing need to attract and retain qualified personnel in this critical sector.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized certifications and extensive operational knowledge can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting their increased value and responsibility in managing complex treatment systems.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $50,280 | $24.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $48,600 | $23.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $64,960 | $31.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $81,000 | $38.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $80,720 | $38.8 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$64,800
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$64,800
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $64,800 in Milwaukee-Waukesha aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making the compensation quite competitive for individuals considering relocation or establishing themselves within the area.
Job Market Context
420
Total Jobs
0.507
Per 1K Jobs
0.62
Location Quotient
Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI has 0.62x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.62 indicates that Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are less concentrated in Milwaukee-Waukesha compared to the national average. This suggests that while the jobs exist and are necessary, the market is not saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified candidates without intense competition from a disproportionately large pool of similarly specialized workers.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is $64,800. This typically ranges from $50,280 for entry-level positions to $80,720 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is 7.5% higher than the national median of $60,280.
Is Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
Yes, Milwaukee-Waukesha offers competitive compensation for these roles.The average salary of $64,800 exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is at the national benchmark, providing strong purchasing power.
Is Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI ($65,950) and Sheboygan, WI.
How does the Milwaukee-Waukesha salary compare to the national average?
The average salary of $64,800 in Milwaukee-Waukesha is higher than the national average of $60,280 for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators.
What is the cost of living in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
The Cost of Living Index in Milwaukee-Waukesha is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How many Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators work in Milwaukee-Waukesha?
There are approximately 420 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators employed in the Milwaukee-Waukesha area.
Is there high demand for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Milwaukee-Waukesha?
With a Location Quotient below 1.0, the concentration is lower than the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market, indicating consistent demand for these essential roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 420 employees in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area with a job density of 0.507 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 Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI