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Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Raleigh-Cary, NC

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Raleigh-Cary, NC, earn an average annual salary of $61,150. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $60,280, indicating a competitive local market. Factors such as the region's infrastructure needs and the demand for skilled professionals contribute to this favorable compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $61,150 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,260.
  • Outlook: The Raleigh-Cary, NC metropolitan area employs approximately 330 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators. With a Location Quotient of 0.55, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting a market that is not oversaturated but may present opportunities for growth as demand solidifies.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$61,150

The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Raleigh-Cary, NC earns+1.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$29.4

Weekly

$1,176

Monthly

$5,096

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Raleigh-Cary, NC

Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Raleigh-Cary, NC, typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start around the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting a clear path for advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$45,910$22.1
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$45,863$22
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$64,070$30.8
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$76,438$36.7
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$77,260$37.1

Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$61,150

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$61,150

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $61,150 in Raleigh-Cary, NC, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without significant cost-of-living pressures.

Job Market Context

330

Total Jobs

0.45

Per 1K Jobs

0.55

Location Quotient

Below Average

Raleigh-Cary, NC has 0.55x 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 0.55 for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Raleigh-Cary, NC, indicates that this occupation is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the job market is not exceptionally abundant, there is a steady demand for these professionals, and skilled individuals may find a competitive edge when seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

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 Raleigh-Cary, NC?

The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Raleigh-Cary, NC is $61,150. This typically ranges from $45,910 for entry-level positions to $77,260 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 1.4% higher than the national median of $60,280.

Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?

Yes, Raleigh-Cary, NC offers a slightly above-average salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators.The average salary of $61,150 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating good earning potential.

Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Raleigh-Cary, NC?

Some top paying nearby cities include Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($57,020) and Rocky Mount, NC.

What is the average salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator in Raleigh-Cary, NC?

The average annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator in Raleigh-Cary, NC, is $61,150.

How does the Raleigh-Cary, NC salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Raleigh-Cary, NC ($61,150) is slightly higher than the national average ($60,280).

What does the Location Quotient of 0.55 mean for this role in Raleigh-Cary, NC?

A Location Quotient of 0.55 signifies that the concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Raleigh-Cary, NC, is less than half of the national average, suggesting a less saturated but still present job market.

How does the cost of living in Raleigh-Cary, NC affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the salary of $61,150 in Raleigh-Cary, NC, has the same purchasing power as the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment for these professionals.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 330 employees in the Raleigh-Cary, NC area with a job density of 0.45 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.