Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Portland-South Portland, ME, earn an average annual salary of $64,100. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $60,280. The localized demand and the specific needs of the region's infrastructure likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $64,100 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $81,270.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 260 professionals and a Location Quotient of 1.11, Portland-South Portland demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of these essential roles compared to the national average. This suggests a stable, and potentially growing, demand for skilled operators in the area, indicating a robust job market for this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Portland-South Portland, ME earns+6.3%above the national average.
$30.8
$1,233
$5,342
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Portland-South Portland have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing infrastructure needs, regulatory changes, and the ongoing demand for clean water and effective wastewater management.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME
Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. As operators gain experience, acquire specialized certifications, and take on more complex responsibilities, their earning potential expands considerably. The percentile gaps in salary reflect this clear career ladder and the value placed on seasoned professionals.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $50,170 | $24.1 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $48,075 | $23.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $61,850 | $29.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $80,125 | $38.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $81,270 | $39.1 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$64,100
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$64,100
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $64,100 in Portland-South Portland, ME, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an operator's salary in this location is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the typical premium associated with higher-than-average salaries.
Job Market Context
260
Total Jobs
0.914
Per 1K Jobs
1.11
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.11, Portland-South Portland, ME 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 1.11 indicates that Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are 11% more concentrated in Portland-South Portland, ME, than in the average U.S. location. This suggests a healthy job market where these roles are slightly more prevalent, potentially leading to more opportunities and a competitive environment for skilled professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Comparing salaries near Portland-South Portland, ME
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Portland-South Portland, ME is $64,100. This typically ranges from $50,170 for entry-level positions to $81,270 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-South Portland, ME is 6.3% higher than the national median of $60,280.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
Yes, it offers a competitive salary.Operators in Portland-South Portland earn above the national average, with a salary of $64,100. Coupled with a cost of living at the national average, this makes the location financially attractive.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-South Portland, ME is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-South Portland, ME?
Some top paying nearby cities include Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area ($62,420) and Northern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Portland-South Portland, ME is $64,100, which is higher than the national average of $60,280.
What is the cost of living in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The cost of living index in Portland-South Portland, ME is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated are Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators jobs in this area?
The Location Quotient of 1.11 indicates that these jobs are 11% more concentrated in Portland-South Portland, ME, compared to the national average.
What does the total local workforce size suggest about job availability?
With a total local workforce of 260 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators, the market is of a moderate size, suggesting consistent, albeit not explosive, job availability.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 260 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 0.914 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 Portland-South Portland, ME