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Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA

The average salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA is $54,100. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power. Notably, Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.44x higher than average.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $54,100 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $63,090.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 60 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$54,100

The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA earns-10.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$26

Weekly

$1,040

Monthly

$4,508

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA

The earning potential for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA 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 $38,290, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $63,090.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$38,290$18.4
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$40,575$19.5
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$52,280$25.1
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$67,625$32.5
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$63,090$30.3

Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$54,100

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$54,100

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $54,100 to $54,100.

Job Market Context

60

Total Jobs

1.182

Per 1K Jobs

1.44

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.44, Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators roles compared to the national norm.

60 people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA.

1.182 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 Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA?

The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA is $54,100. This typically ranges from $38,290 for entry-level positions to $63,090 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA is 10.3% lower than the national median of $60,280.

Is Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA a good place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?

Yes, Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($54,100), 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 Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Harrisonburg, VA ($59,070) and Charlottesville, VA.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 60 employees in the Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA area with a job density of 1.182 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.