Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area earn an average annual salary of $68,030, surpassing the national average of $60,280. This higher compensation is likely influenced by the region's specific industrial demands and the critical nature of maintaining essential public services.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $68,030 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $83,340.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,690 individuals and a Location Quotient of 0.72, the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area indicates a slightly less concentrated but stable job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators. The presence of a substantial workforce suggests consistent demand for these essential roles within the region's infrastructure.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD earns+12.9%above the national average.
$32.7
$1,308
$5,669
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington have seen steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is driven by increasing infrastructure needs, regulatory changes, and the ongoing demand for skilled professionals in this vital sector.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
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 not available, the expected salary range widens considerably with experience, reflecting greater responsibility, specialized knowledge, and the ability to manage complex systems, with senior operators commanding substantially higher earnings.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $48,340 | $23.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $51,023 | $24.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $66,010 | $31.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $85,038 | $40.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $83,340 | $40.1 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$68,030
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$68,030
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $68,030 in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an operator's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the higher nominal wage effectively balances out the cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,690
Total Jobs
0.589
Per 1K Jobs
0.72
Location Quotient
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD has 0.72x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.72 for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates a potentially competitive market for employers seeking specialized talent, but also offers opportunities for skilled operators to find employment without facing extreme saturation.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Comparing salaries near Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
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 Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is $68,030. This typically ranges from $48,340 for entry-level positions to $83,340 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 12.9% higher than the national median of $60,280.
Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
Yes, it is a moderately lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators.The average salary of $68,030 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating good earning potential.
Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?
Some top paying nearby cities include Trenton-Princeton, NJ ($70,210) and Vineland, NJ.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?
A local workforce of 1,690 suggests a significant number of established positions, indicating a stable job market with ongoing needs for both new and experienced operators.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.72 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0 means the profession is less concentrated locally than nationally, which could translate to fewer job openings but potentially less competition for skilled individuals.
How does the cost of living affect the perceived salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $68,030 salary in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington offers the same purchasing power as the national average salary of $60,280 in a typical U.S. location.
Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers for this role in Philadelphia?
With 0.589 jobs per 1,000 workers, this role represents a small but consistent part of the local employment landscape, highlighting its essential nature.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,690 employees in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area with a job density of 0.589 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 Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD