Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in North Georgia's nonmetropolitan areas earn an average annual salary of $44,800. This figure falls notably below the national average of $60,280, suggesting that regional economic factors and potentially lower demand contribute to this pay differential. The specific economic landscape of nonmetropolitan North Georgia plays a significant role in shaping compensation for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,800 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,230.
- Outlook: The job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in North Georgia's nonmetropolitan areas, while modest in size with a total local workforce of 240, shows a concentration of 1.58 times the national average. This indicates a relatively higher demand or a more specialized need for these professionals within the region compared to national benchmarks, suggesting a stable, albeit niche, job market.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in North Georgia nonmetropolitan area earns-25.7%below the national average.
$21.5
$862
$3,733
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan region is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing infrastructure needs, regulatory changes, and a growing awareness of the importance of water quality likely contribute to upward pressure on wages, even in nonmetropolitan settings.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in North Georgia nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive knowledge and responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies a clear path for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $32,970 | $15.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $33,600 | $16.2 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $42,370 | $20.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $56,000 | $26.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $59,230 | $28.5 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,800
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,800
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $44,800 in North Georgia's nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is equivalent to the national average, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability for potential residents considering a move to the area.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
1.299
Per 1K Jobs
1.58
Location Quotient
North Georgia nonmetropolitan area has 1.6x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 1.58, North Georgia's nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators that is 58% higher than the national average. This suggests a robust demand for these specialized skills within the region, indicating that the job market is relatively more abundant with opportunities for qualified professionals compared to the nation as a whole.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Comparing salaries near North Georgia nonmetropolitan area
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 North Georgia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in North Georgia nonmetropolitan area is $44,800. This typically ranges from $32,970 for entry-level positions to $59,230 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Georgia nonmetropolitan area is 25.7% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is North Georgia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary of $44,800 is significantly lower than the national average of $60,280, indicating less lucrative compensation.
Is North Georgia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in North Georgia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near North Georgia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Macon-Bibb County, GA ($50,770) and Warner Robins, GA.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 240 indicates a smaller, more specialized job pool. While the concentration (LQ) is high, the absolute number of positions might be limited, suggesting that opportunities may arise less frequently but could be more targeted.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.58 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.58 signifies that Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are more prevalent in this region than the national average. This suggests a stronger demand relative to the workforce size, potentially leading to more job openings for qualified individuals.
Is the cost of living in North Georgia nonmetropolitan areas high?
No, the Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services in this region is neither significantly cheaper nor more expensive than the national benchmark.
How many Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators jobs are there per capita in this region?
There are approximately 1.3 jobs per 1,000 workers for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in this nonmetropolitan North Georgia area, indicating the relative density of these roles within the local employment landscape.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the North Georgia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.299 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 North Georgia nonmetropolitan area