Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in State College, PA
The average salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in State College, PA is $60,640. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market. Notably, State College, PA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 2.28x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $60,640 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $75,490.
- Outlook: The current demand for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 130 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader State College, PA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in State College, PA earns+0.6%above the national average.
$29.2
$1,166
$5,053
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salaries in State College, PA have shown healthy growth of 10.3%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in State College, PA
The earning potential for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in State College, PA 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 $47,450, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $75,490.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $47,450 | $22.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $45,480 | $21.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $57,440 | $27.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $75,800 | $36.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $75,490 | $36.3 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$60,640
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$60,640
Adjusted for COL (100)
In State College, PA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $60,640 to $60,640.
Job Market Context
130
Total Jobs
1.875
Per 1K Jobs
2.28
Location Quotient
State College, PA has 2.3x 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.
130 people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in State College, PA.
1.875 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators positions — a typical concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Comparing salaries near State College, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in State College, PA?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in State College, PA is $60,640. This typically ranges from $47,450 for entry-level positions to $75,490 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in State College, PA is 0.6% higher than the national median of $60,280.
Is State College, PA a good place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
Yes, State College, PA is an excellent location for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss. It offers both higher-than-average salaries ($60,640) and a high concentration of job opportunities. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is State College, PA a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in State College, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near State College, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Altoona, PA ($57,120) and Northwestern Pennsylvania 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 130 employees in the State College, PA area with a job density of 1.875 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 State College, PA