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Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area

The average salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $39,330. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power. Notably, Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 3.04x higher than average.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $39,330 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $62,200.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 190 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$39,330

The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-34.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.9

Weekly

$756

Monthly

$3,278

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area

The earning potential for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 2.8x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $21,840, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $62,200.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$21,840$10.5
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$29,498$14.2
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$37,830$18.2
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$49,163$23.6
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$62,200$29.9

Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$39,330

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$39,330

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $39,330 to $39,330.

Job Market Context

190

Total Jobs

2.5

Per 1K Jobs

3.04

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area has 3.0x 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.

190 people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area.

Moderate density — roughly 2.5 out of every 1,000 local jobs are in this profession.

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 Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $39,330. This typically ranges from $21,840 for entry-level positions to $62,200 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 34.8% lower than the national median of $60,280.

Is Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?

Yes, Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($39,330), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss. See distinct detailed breakdown below.

Is Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($58,820) and Richmond, VA.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 190 employees in the Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.5 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.