Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $39,400. This figure significantly trails the national average of $60,280, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially lower demand for specialized roles in less densely populated areas. The specific economic landscape and industry concentration within this region directly influence compensation levels for these essential positions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,400 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,320.
- Outlook: The job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Northeast Oklahoma appears robust, indicated by a substantial Location Quotient of 3.22. This suggests a concentration of these roles significantly higher than the national average, implying a strong local demand relative to the overall workforce. With 2.645 jobs per 1,000 workers and a total local workforce of 310, the sector demonstrates a notable presence and potential for stability.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area earns-34.6%below the national average.
$18.9
$758
$3,283
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region and role is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as increasing infrastructure investment, evolving regulatory standards, and a growing awareness of the critical nature of these services likely contribute to incremental salary growth across most nonmetropolitan areas.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive knowledge of complex systems, regulatory compliance, and emergency management command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in compensation signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding increased responsibility and expertise within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $30,200 | $14.5 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $29,550 | $14.2 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $37,610 | $18.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $49,250 | $23.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $48,320 | $23.2 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,400
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,400
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $39,400 in Northeast Oklahoma's nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average, as the cost of goods and services is not inflated.
Job Market Context
310
Total Jobs
2.645
Per 1K Jobs
3.22
Location Quotient
Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area has 3.2x 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 3.22, Northeast Oklahoma's nonmetropolitan area exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators compared to the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially competitive market where these professionals are in relatively high demand within the local economy, suggesting a strong presence of employers seeking this specific skill set.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City, OK Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $50,750↑ 29% | 34 mi |
| Tulsa, OK Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $46,890↑ 19% | 69 mi |
| Enid, OK Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $49,400↑ 25% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northeast Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area is $39,400. This typically ranges from $30,200 for entry-level positions to $48,320 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area is 34.6% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
No, not in terms of nominal salary.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary of $39,400 is substantially lower than the national average of $60,280, indicating less lucrative compensation.
Is Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Oklahoma City, OK ($50,750) and Tulsa, OK.
How does the local concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators compare nationally?
The local concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 3.22, which is more than three times the national average, indicating a significantly higher presence of these jobs in Northeast Oklahoma's nonmetropolitan area.
What is the purchasing power of the average salary in this region?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the average salary of $39,400 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.
How many Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators jobs are there in this region?
There are approximately 310 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators employed in the Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area.
Is there a high demand for these roles in Northeast Oklahoma?
The Location Quotient of 3.22 suggests a high relative demand for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in this region compared to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 310 employees in the Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.645 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area