Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ area earn an average annual salary of $62,990. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $60,280, suggesting that local demand and the specific operational needs of this growing metropolitan region contribute to a more competitive compensation landscape for these essential professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $62,990 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,450.
- Outlook: The Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ area supports a robust workforce of 2,040 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators. With a Location Quotient of 1.06, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these jobs than the national average, the market demonstrates a steady demand for skilled professionals in this sector, suggesting a stable and potentially growing job market.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ earns+4.5%above the national average.
$30.3
$1,211
$5,249
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the last four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators have seen a consistent upward trend, mirroring the national trajectory. This growth is typically driven by increasing infrastructure needs, evolving regulatory standards, and the ongoing demand for clean water and effective wastewater management, all of which contribute to salary appreciation over time.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command salaries in the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the value placed on accumulated knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and years of dedicated service in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $48,200 | $23.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $47,243 | $22.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $61,930 | $29.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $78,738 | $37.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $77,450 | $37.2 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$62,990
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$62,990
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $62,990 in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary earned by Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in this region offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, providing a stable financial foundation for residents.
Job Market Context
2,040
Total Jobs
0.873
Per 1K Jobs
1.06
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.06, Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.06 for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ indicates a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for these roles, with employment opportunities being marginally more abundant relative to the general workforce compared to other regions across the United States.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona nonmetropolitan area Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $49,830↓ 21% | 39 mi |
| Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $54,510↓ 13% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ is $62,990. This typically ranges from $48,200 for entry-level positions to $77,450 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ is 4.5% higher than the national median of $60,280.
Is Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation.The average salary of $62,990 is above the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating good earning potential.
Is Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
Some top paying nearby cities include Arizona nonmetropolitan area ($49,830) and Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ.
What is the average salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
The average annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ is $62,990.
How does the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ ($62,990) is higher than the national average ($60,280).
What is the Cost of Living Index in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
The Cost of Living Index in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ is 100, which is the same as the national average.
How concentrated are Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator jobs in this area?
The Location Quotient is 1.06, meaning there is a slightly higher concentration of these jobs in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ 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 2,040 employees in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ area with a job density of 0.873 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 Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ