The average salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $53,140. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power. Notably, Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 2.8x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $53,140 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,690.
- Outlook: The current demand for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 150 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area economy.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-11.8%below the national average.
$25.6
$1,022
$4,428
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salaries in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 26.8%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
The earning potential for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 2.6x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $29,970, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $78,690.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $29,970 | $14.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $39,855 | $19.2 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $51,550 | $24.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $66,425 | $31.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $78,690 | $37.8 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$53,140
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$53,140
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $53,140 to $53,140.
Job Market Context
150
Total Jobs
2.301
Per 1K Jobs
2.8
Location Quotient
Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area has 2.8x 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.
150 people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area.
Moderate density — roughly 2.301 out of every 1,000 local jobs are in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Comparing salaries near Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $53,140. This typically ranges from $29,970 for entry-level positions to $78,690 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 11.8% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
Yes, Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($53,140), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($58,820) and Richmond, VA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 150 employees in the Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.301 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 Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area