In Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators earn an average annual salary of $54,510. This figure is notably below the national average of $60,280, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of living influence compensation in this region. The specific economic conditions and demand within the Prescott Valley-Prescott area play a crucial role in shaping these salary outcomes.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,940.
- Outlook: The job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ, shows a significant concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 3.6, far exceeding the national average. While the total local workforce of 210 is modest, this high concentration suggests a robust demand relative to the national landscape, implying a stable or growing need for these essential professionals within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ earns-9.6%below the national average.
$26.2
$1,048
$4,543
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Prescott Valley-Prescott is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators have seen a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. This growth is typically driven by increasing infrastructure needs, evolving regulatory standards, and the persistent demand for clean water and effective wastewater management, which generally leads to salary adjustments.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ
Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ, is typically marked by increasing salary levels. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while experienced operators with specialized certifications and a proven track record can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in earnings between junior and senior roles reflect the value placed on expertise, responsibility, and years of dedicated service in this critical field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $42,400 | $20.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $40,883 | $19.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $52,230 | $25.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $68,138 | $32.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $74,940 | $36 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,510
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $54,510 in Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an operator's salary in this area is comparable to the national average, offering neither a significant financial advantage nor disadvantage from a cost-of-living perspective. Therefore, the salary is neither inflated nor deflated by local living expenses.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
2.956
Per 1K Jobs
3.6
Location Quotient
Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ has 3.6x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 3.6, Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ, exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators compared to the national average. This indicates a strong local demand for these professionals, suggesting that the job market is relatively abundant with opportunities for qualified individuals. The high concentration implies that the Prescott Valley-Prescott area relies more heavily on this specific workforce than the nation as a whole.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Comparing salaries near Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ is $54,510. This typically ranges from $42,400 for entry-level positions to $74,940 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ is 9.6% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
No, but it is stable.While the average salary of $54,510 is below the national average, the high concentration of jobs (LQ of 3.6) and a cost of living at the national average suggests a stable job market with consistent demand rather than exceptional financial gain.
Is Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ?
Some top paying nearby cities include Flagstaff, AZ ($55,790) and Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ.
How does the Prescott Valley-Prescott salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ is $54,510, which is lower than the national average of $60,280.
What is the concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ?
Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ has a high concentration of these operators, with a Location Quotient of 3.6, significantly above the national average of 1.0.
How does the cost of living in Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ affect the salary?
The cost of living in Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ is at the national average (100), meaning the $54,510 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the high Location Quotient suggest about job opportunities?
A Location Quotient of 3.6 indicates a strong local demand and a higher proportion of these jobs relative to the national average, suggesting a robust job market for qualified operators in the area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ area with a job density of 2.956 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 Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ