Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $59,970. This figure is remarkably close to the national average of $60,280, indicating a stable compensation landscape. The specific economic drivers and localized demand within this region play a crucial role in aligning these salaries with national benchmarks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $59,970 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $79,790.
- Outlook: The job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Southwest Colorado appears robust, characterized by a significant concentration of these roles relative to the national average. With a Location Quotient of 2.74, this nonmetropolitan area shows a demand that is more than double the national rate, suggesting a strong need for skilled professionals in this sector despite a modest total local workforce of 240.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earns-0.5%below the national average.
$28.8
$1,153
$4,998
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 Southwest Colorado have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing infrastructure needs, regulatory changes, and the demand for experienced professionals likely contribute to a steady upward trajectory in compensation.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data isn't available, the gap between starting salaries and those earned by seasoned professionals often widens considerably, reflecting the accumulation of specialized knowledge, operational expertise, and supervisory responsibilities. These percentile gaps are key indicators of career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,280 | $18.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $44,978 | $21.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $60,170 | $28.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $74,963 | $36 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $79,790 | $38.4 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$59,970
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$59,970
Adjusted for COL (100)
For individuals considering a move to Southwest Colorado, the nominal salary of $59,970 aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an operator's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial outlook without the immediate pressure of higher or lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
2.255
Per 1K Jobs
2.74
Location Quotient
Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area has 2.7x 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.
The Location Quotient of 2.74 for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Southwest Colorado signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that the demand for these specialized roles is substantially higher in this nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average, suggesting a competitive environment for employers seeking talent and favorable opportunities for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $70,170↑ 17% | 32 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $73,180↑ 22% | 54 mi |
| Boulder, CO Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $70,510↑ 18% | 67 mi |
| Greeley, CO Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $66,400↑ 11% | 98 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Colorado 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 Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is $59,970. This typically ranges from $38,280 for entry-level positions to $79,790 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 0.5% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation.The average salary is nearly on par with the national average, and the cost of living is also at the national average, making it financially comparable. Furthermore, the high location quotient indicates strong local demand for these professionals.
Is Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($70,170) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Southwest Colorado is $59,970, which is very close to the national average of $60,280.
What is the concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in this area?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 2.74, meaning this area has more than double the national average presence of these jobs relative to its workforce.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $59,970 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What does the total local workforce number imply?
With a total local workforce of 240 for this specific role, the high Location Quotient suggests that these operators form a significant and concentrated segment of the local employment landscape.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.255 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 Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area