Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $85,230. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $60,280, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher operational costs or specialized needs within the region that drive this elevated compensation. The robust pay reflects the critical nature of maintaining public health and environmental standards in this metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $85,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $109,410.
- Outlook: The job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA appears stable and slightly more concentrated than the national average, with a total local workforce of 1,580 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.14 suggests a slightly higher prevalence of these roles compared to the rest of the country, implying a steady demand for skilled professionals in this sector within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA earns+41.4%above the national average.
$41
$1,639
$7,103
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 Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing infrastructure investment, evolving environmental regulations, and the ongoing need for qualified personnel likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory in this essential field.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA
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, but as operators gain specialized skills, certifications, and years of service, their earning potential escalates considerably. The gap between entry-level and senior roles often represents substantial professional development and increased responsibility, reflected in higher compensation at the top percentiles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $56,370 | $27.1 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $63,923 | $30.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $82,500 | $39.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $106,538 | $51.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $109,410 | $52.6 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$85,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$85,230
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $85,230 in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an operator's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape where income effectively meets the standard cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,580
Total Jobs
0.935
Per 1K Jobs
1.14
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.14, Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.14, the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA metropolitan area exhibits a slightly higher concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators compared to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive job market where demand is present and potentially growing, offering good opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Comparing salaries near Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA is $85,230. This typically ranges from $56,370 for entry-level positions to $109,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA is 41.4% higher than the national median of $60,280.
Is Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
Yes, it is a lucrative area.The average salary of $85,230 is substantially higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($84,740) and San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary of $85,230 in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA is approximately 41% higher than the national average of $60,280 for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators.
What is the concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in this area?
The Location Quotient of 1.14 indicates that Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are slightly more concentrated in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA than the national average, suggesting a healthy presence of these roles.
Does the cost of living affect the salary's value?
No, the cost of living in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA is exactly at the national average (100). Therefore, the higher nominal salary of $85,230 translates directly to equivalent purchasing power compared to the national average.
How many Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators work in this region?
There are approximately 1,580 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators employed within the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,580 employees in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA area with a job density of 0.935 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 Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA