In the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN area, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators earn an average annual salary of $55,570. This figure is slightly below the national average of $60,280, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially regional demand influence compensation for these essential roles. While the pay is a bit lower than the national benchmark, the cost of living in Nashville is right on par with the national average, which is a crucial factor in understanding the true value of this salary.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $55,570 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $73,780.
- Outlook: The job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN appears stable, with a local workforce of 900 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.99 indicates a concentration of these jobs that is very close to the national average, suggesting a balanced demand and supply within the region. With 0.818 jobs per 1,000 workers, the presence of this profession is well-established and integral to the local infrastructure.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN earns-7.8%below the national average.
$26.7
$1,069
$4,631
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the Nashville metropolitan area have experienced gradual growth, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing infrastructure needs, regulatory changes, and the ongoing demand for clean water services typically drive modest annual salary increases in this vital sector.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data isn't available, the gap between starting salaries and those earned by highly experienced operators can be substantial, often reflecting increased responsibilities, specialized certifications, and a proven track record in managing complex treatment systems. This salary scaling signifies a clear career ladder within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $39,850 | $19.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $41,678 | $20 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $52,290 | $25.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $69,463 | $33.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $73,780 | $35.5 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$55,570
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$55,570
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $55,570 in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing for operators residing in the area without the added financial pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
900
Total Jobs
0.818
Per 1K Jobs
0.99
Location Quotient
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN has 0.99x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.99, the job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN is nearly identical in concentration to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet stable environment where the number of operators aligns closely with the national proportion of the workforce in this profession, indicating neither an oversupply nor a significant shortage.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Comparing salaries near Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
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 Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN is $55,570. This typically ranges from $39,850 for entry-level positions to $73,780 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN is 7.8% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $55,570 is below the national average of $60,280, though the cost of living is exactly at the national average, making the salary's purchasing power comparable.
Is Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN?
Some top paying nearby cities include East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area ($51,850) and South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Nashville salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN is $55,570, which is lower than the national average of $60,280.
What is the cost of living in Nashville for this role?
The cost of living index in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning your salary's purchasing power is on par with the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the job market for these operators in Nashville?
The job market concentration, measured by the Location Quotient of 0.99, is very close to the national average, indicating a balanced presence of these roles within the local workforce.
What is the total number of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the Nashville area?
There are approximately 900 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators employed in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 900 employees in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN area with a job density of 0.818 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 Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN