Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $76,230, significantly outpacing the national average of $60,280. This elevated compensation is often a reflection of the specialized skills required for maintaining critical infrastructure and potentially regional demands for these essential services.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $76,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $98,010.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 450 professionals and a Location Quotient of 0.45, the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area indicates a moderately concentrated but stable job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators. While not a national hotspot in terms of concentration, the presence of a dedicated workforce suggests consistent demand and opportunities within this vital sector.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA earns+26.5%above the national average.
$36.7
$1,466
$6,353
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro region have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing infrastructure needs, evolving regulatory standards, and the ongoing demand for skilled professionals to manage these complex systems.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators typically involves a clear salary trajectory. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The increasing salary gaps observed across experience levels signify substantial career advancement opportunities and earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $52,040 | $25 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $57,173 | $27.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $79,640 | $38.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $95,288 | $45.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $98,010 | $47.1 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$76,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$76,230
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $76,230 in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing for residents without the added pressure of higher or lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
450
Total Jobs
0.371
Per 1K Jobs
0.45
Location Quotient
At 0.45x, Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA has a notably lower concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
A Location Quotient of 0.45 suggests that Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are less concentrated in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area compared to the national average. This could imply a less saturated job market, potentially leading to greater demand for qualified candidates and competitive compensation packages as employers seek to attract and retain talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Comparing salaries near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $76,230. This typically ranges from $52,040 for entry-level positions to $98,010 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 26.5% higher than the national median of $60,280.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
Yes, it is a lucrative location.The average salary of $76,230 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong purchasing power.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Salem, OR ($68,030) and Longview-Kelso, WA.
How does the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro salary compare to the national average?
The average salary of $76,230 in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro is substantially higher than the national average of $60,280 for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators.
What is the Cost of Living in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The Cost of Living Index for Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical US city.
How concentrated is the job market for this role in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The job market is moderately concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 0.45, indicating fewer operators per worker relative to the national average, suggesting potential demand.
What does the Location Quotient of 0.45 signify for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.45, suggests that this profession is less common in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area than the national average, which can translate to more opportunities for skilled individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 450 employees in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area with a job density of 0.371 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-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA