SalaryNode

Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Syracuse, NY

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Syracuse, NY, earn an average annual salary of $59,260. This figure is slightly below the national average of $60,280, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the municipal or industrial sector within Syracuse. The cost of living in Syracuse aligns perfectly with the national average, suggesting that this salary offers a comparable standard of living.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $59,260 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,920.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 200 individuals in this specialized field, Syracuse presents a moderately sized employment landscape for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators. The Location Quotient of 0.83 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. While not a hub of intense demand, this indicates a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market where experienced operators are consistently valued.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$59,260

The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Syracuse, NY earns-1.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$28.5

Weekly

$1,140

Monthly

$4,938

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Syracuse, NY

Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Syracuse typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While the exact percentile gaps are not detailed here, the difference between starting salaries and those for seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can be substantial, reflecting the increased responsibility and expertise required for managing complex treatment systems.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$45,930$22.1
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$44,445$21.4
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$58,930$28.3
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$74,075$35.6
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$77,920$37.5

Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$59,260

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$59,260

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average salary of $59,260 in Syracuse is directly comparable to the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator's salary in Syracuse is effectively on par with the national average, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability for residents.

Job Market Context

200

Total Jobs

0.679

Per 1K Jobs

0.83

Location Quotient

Below Average

Syracuse, NY has 0.83x the national average concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.83 indicates that Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are slightly less concentrated in Syracuse compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a dominant industry within the local job market. The market is likely stable, with opportunities arising from regular turnover and infrastructure maintenance rather than rapid expansion.

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 Syracuse, NY?

The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Syracuse, NY is $59,260. This typically ranges from $45,930 for entry-level positions to $77,920 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Syracuse, NY is 1.7% lower than the national median of $60,280.

Is Syracuse, NY a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?

No, it is slightly below the national average.The average salary of $59,260 is marginally lower than the national average of $60,280. However, the cost of living is exactly at the national average, making the effective purchasing power comparable.

Is Syracuse, NY a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Syracuse, NY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Syracuse, NY?

Some top paying nearby cities include Utica-Rome, NY ($54,310) and Watertown-Fort Drum, NY.

How does the Syracuse job market compare to the national average for this role?

The job market in Syracuse has a slightly lower concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.83. This suggests a stable but not exceptionally high demand compared to national trends.

What is the cost of living impact on the salary in Syracuse?

The cost of living in Syracuse is exactly at the national average (100). This means the $59,260 salary provides a standard of living equivalent to the national average, with no significant affordability advantage or disadvantage.

How many Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are there in Syracuse?

There are approximately 200 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators employed in Syracuse, NY.

Are there many job openings for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Syracuse?

While the specific number of openings fluctuates, the market is stable with 0.679 jobs per 1,000 workers, indicating consistent but not overwhelming demand.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Syracuse, NY area with a job density of 0.679 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.