Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $39,840. This figure is significantly lower than the national average of $60,280. Localized economic factors, including regional demand and the specific needs of the nonmetropolitan infrastructure, likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,840 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,220.
- Outlook: The job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in South Arkansas appears robust, evidenced by a total local workforce of 320 individuals. The location quotient of 3.26 indicates a concentration of these roles significantly above the national average, suggesting a strong and established demand within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earns-33.9%below the national average.
$19.2
$766
$3,320
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 South Arkansas have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring general trends in the labor market. This growth would likely be influenced by factors such as inflation, increasing operational complexity, and the ongoing need for skilled professionals in maintaining essential public services.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while senior operators with extensive knowledge and responsibility can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution, though not detailed here, would signify the earning potential as one moves from junior to lead operator roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $28,860 | $13.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $29,880 | $14.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $36,350 | $17.5 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $49,800 | $23.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $56,220 | $27 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,840
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,840
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $39,840 in South Arkansas aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the lower salary is offset by the cost of living.
Job Market Context
320
Total Jobs
2.681
Per 1K Jobs
3.26
Location Quotient
South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area has 3.3x 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 3.26, South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market is relatively abundant with opportunities for these professionals, and employers may have a wider pool of candidates to choose from.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $47,940↑ 20% | 17 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $37,320↓ 6% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
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 South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is $39,840. This typically ranges from $28,860 for entry-level positions to $56,220 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 33.9% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
No, it is not a lucrative place based on average salary.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary of $39,840 is substantially below the national average of $60,280. The high location quotient indicates a strong presence of these jobs, but not necessarily high compensation.
Is South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($47,940) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 320 indicates a stable, established presence of these roles. While not a massive number, it suggests consistent demand and a dedicated sector within the region's economy.
What does a Location Quotient of 3.26 mean for job seekers?
A location quotient of 3.26 signifies that Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are over three times more concentrated in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area than the national average, indicating a higher relative demand for these skills locally.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact the perceived salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local economy is on par with the national average. Therefore, the $39,840 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary would in a typical U.S. location.
Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers for this role in South Arkansas?
With 2.681 jobs per 1,000 workers, this role represents a noticeable portion of the local employment landscape, reinforcing the significance of this occupation within the South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.681 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salaries by State
Top Jobs in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
- Management Occupations Salary in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area