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Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area

The average salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is $39,820. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power. Notably, Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 2.11x higher than average.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $39,820 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $54,890.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 140 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$39,820

The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area earns-33.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$19.1

Weekly

$766

Monthly

$3,318

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area

The earning potential for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $23,960, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $54,890.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$23,960$11.5
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$29,865$14.4
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$36,050$17.3
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$49,775$23.9
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$54,890$26.4

Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$39,820

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$39,820

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $39,820 to $39,820.

Job Market Context

140

Total Jobs

1.734

Per 1K Jobs

2.11

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area has 2.1x 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.

140 people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.

1.734 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators positions — a typical concentration.

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 Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is $39,820. This typically ranges from $23,960 for entry-level positions to $54,890 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is 33.9% lower than the national median of $60,280.

Is Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area a good place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?

Yes, Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($39,820), 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 Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Alexandria, LA ($48,360) and Baton Rouge, LA.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 140 employees in the Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.734 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.