Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $39,510. This figure significantly trails the national average of $60,280, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially lower demand for specialized roles in nonmetropolitan settings. The localized pay scale is a direct consequence of the specific economic landscape of this area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $52,620.
- Outlook: The job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Northeast Louisiana, with a total local workforce of 250, indicates a stable, albeit niche, employment sector. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 4.8 suggests a strong concentration of these roles relative to the national average, pointing towards a robust demand within this specific nonmetropolitan region compared to its size.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area earns-34.5%below the national average.
$19
$760
$3,293
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This progression is typically driven by inflation, increasing operational complexity, and the essential nature of these services, leading to modest but consistent salary increases.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
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 is unavailable, the substantial gap between starting wages and the average salary of $39,510 signifies opportunities for advancement. Gaining experience, acquiring advanced certifications, and taking on greater responsibilities are key drivers for moving up the pay scale.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $27,530 | $13.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $29,633 | $14.2 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $37,130 | $17.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $49,388 | $23.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $52,620 | $25.3 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,510
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $39,510 in Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national standard, making the effective financial impact of this salary neutral in terms of cost of living.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
3.948
Per 1K Jobs
4.8
Location Quotient
Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area has 4.8x 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 4.8, Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area exhibits a highly concentrated market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators. This indicates that these professionals are significantly more prevalent in this region than the national average, suggesting a strong local demand or a specialized industry presence that favors this occupation.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $48,360↑ 22% | 37 mi |
| Baton Rouge, LA Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $49,110↑ 24% | 67 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $43,650↑ 10% | 67 mi |
| Monroe, LA Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $41,940↑ 6% | 94 mi |
| Hammond, LA Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $44,760↑ 13% | 95 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northeast Louisiana 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 Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is $39,510. This typically ranges from $27,530 for entry-level positions to $52,620 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is 34.5% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
No, it is not considered lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $39,510 is substantially lower than the national average of $60,280. However, the cost of living is on par with the national average, mitigating some of the impact of the lower nominal wage.
Is Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Alexandria, LA ($48,360) and Baton Rouge, LA.
How does the total workforce size affect job prospects?
A total local workforce of 250 suggests a relatively small but potentially stable job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in this nonmetropolitan area. While the number is modest, the high location quotient indicates significant local demand relative to the workforce size.
What does a Location Quotient of 4.8 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 4.8 signifies that Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are nearly five times more concentrated in Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area than in the U.S. overall. This suggests a strong local demand and potentially fewer competing professionals.
How does the cost of living impact the $39,510 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $39,510 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the expenses for goods and services are also comparable, offering a neutral financial standing relative to national benchmarks.
Are there many jobs for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in this region?
While the total workforce is 250, the high concentration (Location Quotient of 4.8) implies that these roles are a significant part of the local economy, indicating a notable number of job opportunities relative to the region's overall employment.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.948 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 Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area