Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in St. Louis, MO-IL earn an average annual salary of $62,440. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $60,280, indicating a competitive market for these essential roles. The local demand and specific industry needs within the St. Louis metropolitan area contribute to this favorable compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $62,440 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $83,540.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,140 professionals, the St. Louis, MO-IL area demonstrates a solid presence of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators. The Location Quotient of 1.04 suggests a concentration of these jobs that is slightly above the national average, implying a steady demand and a robust job market for skilled operators in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in St. Louis, MO-IL earns+3.6%above the national average.
$30
$1,201
$5,203
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 St. Louis have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Increased infrastructure investment, evolving regulatory standards, and a consistent need for these services typically drive salary increases in this vital sector.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in St. Louis, MO-IL
Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in St. Louis, MO-IL typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while senior operators with specialized skills and years of service can command salaries well above the average, reflecting their expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $44,180 | $21.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $46,830 | $22.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $58,910 | $28.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $78,050 | $37.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $83,540 | $40.2 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$62,440
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$62,440
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $62,440 in St. Louis, MO-IL 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 St. Louis is equivalent to the national standard, making it a financially stable location for this profession.
Job Market Context
1,140
Total Jobs
0.851
Per 1K Jobs
1.04
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.04, St. Louis, MO-IL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.04 indicates that Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are slightly more concentrated in St. Louis, MO-IL than the national average. This suggests a healthy job market where demand is at least on par with, or slightly exceeds, the national average, offering good opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $54,450↓ 13% | 97 mi |
Comparing salaries near St. Louis, MO-IL
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 St. Louis, MO-IL?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in St. Louis, MO-IL is $62,440. This typically ranges from $44,180 for entry-level positions to $83,540 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in St. Louis, MO-IL is 3.6% higher than the national median of $60,280.
Is St. Louis, MO-IL a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
Yes, St. Louis, MO-IL offers competitive compensation for these roles.The average salary of $62,440 is above the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, providing excellent purchasing power.
Is St. Louis, MO-IL a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in St. Louis, MO-IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near St. Louis, MO-IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cape Girardeau, MO-IL ($54,450) and others.
How does the St. Louis salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in St. Louis, MO-IL is $62,440, which is slightly higher than the national average of $60,280.
What is the Cost of Living in St. Louis, MO-IL for this profession?
The Cost of Living Index in St. Louis, MO-IL is 100, which is precisely the national average, meaning your salary will have standard purchasing power.
How many Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are there in St. Louis?
There are approximately 1,140 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators employed in the St. Louis, MO-IL metropolitan area.
Is there high demand for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in St. Louis?
With a Location Quotient of 1.04, the concentration of these jobs in St. Louis is slightly above the national average, suggesting a stable to strong demand for qualified professionals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,140 employees in the St. Louis, MO-IL area with a job density of 0.851 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 St. Louis, MO-IL