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Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in New York

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in New York earn an average annual salary of $68,160, significantly exceeding the national average of $60,280. This elevated compensation is largely driven by New York's robust industrial infrastructure and the critical nature of maintaining its water systems, which necessitates a higher pay scale to attract and retain skilled professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $68,160 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $98,950.
  • Outlook: New York's job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators appears stable, with a total local workforce of 5,270. The Location Quotient of 0.67 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a potentially steady demand that isn't oversaturated, offering a reasonable outlook for employment.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$68,160

The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in New York earns+13.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$32.8

Weekly

$1,311

Monthly

$5,680

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in New York

Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in New York typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average, with percentile gaps clearly signifying this career trajectory.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$46,340$22.3
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$51,120$24.6
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$63,140$30.4
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$85,200$41
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$98,950$47.6

Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$68,160

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$54,484

Adjusted for COL (125.1)

The nominal average salary of $68,160 in New York must be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 125.1. While the salary is higher than the national average, the increased cost of living means that the purchasing power of this salary is somewhat diminished compared to living in a more affordable region, requiring careful financial planning.

Job Market Context

5,270

Total Jobs

0.552

Per 1K Jobs

0.67

Location Quotient

Below Average

New York has 0.67x 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 0.67, New York has a slightly lower concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators relative to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and vital, the job market may not be as intensely competitive as in areas with a higher concentration, potentially offering more opportunities for qualified candidates.

Nearby Job Markets

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 New York?

The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in New York is $68,160. This typically ranges from $46,340 for entry-level positions to $98,950 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in New York is 13.1% higher than the national median of $60,280.

Is New York a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?

Yes, but with considerations.New York offers a higher average salary for these operators compared to the national average. However, the significantly higher cost of living in the state must be factored into the overall financial attractiveness.

Is New York a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in New York is 125.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near New York?

Some top paying nearby cities include Binghamton, NY ($57,700) and Kingston, NY.

How does the New York salary compare to the national average?

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in New York earn an average of $68,160 annually, which is $7,880 more than the national average of $60,280.

Is the job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators growing in New York?

The provided data indicates a stable workforce size and a Location Quotient below the national average, suggesting consistent demand without extreme competition, which points towards a steady job market.

What is the impact of the Cost of Living Index on the salary?

New York's Cost of Living Index is 125.1, meaning it's 25.1% more expensive than the national average. This higher cost of living offsets some of the benefit of the higher nominal salary.

How many Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators work in New York?

There are approximately 5,270 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators employed in New York.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,270 employees in the New York area with a job density of 0.552 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.