Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area earn an impressive average annual salary of $61,770. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $60,280, indicating a favorable compensation landscape in the region. The localized pay reflects the critical infrastructure needs and the specialized skills required for maintaining these essential services within the vibrant Florida metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,770 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 46.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $98,270.
- Outlook: The job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater appears robust, with a total local workforce of 1,430 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.21 suggests a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, implying a steady demand for skilled professionals in this sector within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL earns+2.5%above the national average.
$29.7
$1,188
$5,148
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 the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is generally observed across many essential service industries, driven by increasing operational complexities, regulatory demands, and the ongoing need to maintain and upgrade vital infrastructure.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data isn't available, the gap between starting salaries and those earned by experienced operators often widens considerably, reflecting the accumulation of specialized knowledge, operational expertise, and supervisory responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $40,680 | $19.6 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $46,328 | $22.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $59,360 | $28.5 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $77,213 | $37.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $98,270 | $47.2 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,770
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$61,770
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $61,770 for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, allowing for a comparable standard of living without the financial strain often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
1,430
Total Jobs
0.994
Per 1K Jobs
1.21
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.21, Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.21, the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area exhibits a notable concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator roles relative to the national landscape. This suggests that the job market is not only stable but potentially more competitive or offers more opportunities than the average U.S. location for this specialized profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Comparing salaries near Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is $61,770. This typically ranges from $40,680 for entry-level positions to $98,270 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 2.5% higher than the national median of $60,280.
Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation.The average salary of $61,770 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, making it financially advantageous.
Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL ($55,950) and North Florida nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater is $61,770, which is slightly above the national average of $60,280 for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in Tampa?
An LQ of 1.21 indicates that Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are more concentrated in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area than the national average, suggesting a potentially stronger job market for this profession.
How does the cost of living affect the salary for this role in Tampa?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $61,770 salary in Tampa provides a standard of living equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial choice.
What is the total number of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the Tampa area?
There are approximately 1,430 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators employed within the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,430 employees in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area with a job density of 0.994 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 Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL