Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Tulsa, OK
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Tulsa, OK, earn an average annual salary of $46,890. This figure is notably below the national average of $60,280, suggesting localized economic factors or a different supply-demand dynamic influence compensation in this region. The specific needs and economic conditions of Tulsa dictate this pay scale for essential utility roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $46,890 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,190.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 650 professionals, the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator field in Tulsa demonstrates a significant concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.75. This suggests that the demand for these specialized roles is higher in Tulsa relative to the national average, pointing towards a robust and potentially growing job market for these essential service providers.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Tulsa, OK earns-22.2%below the national average.
$22.6
$902
$3,908
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Tulsa is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators have seen a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. This growth is typically driven by increasing operational complexities, the need for skilled labor, and adjustments to inflation and cost of living.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Tulsa, OK
Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive knowledge and responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the value placed on accumulated expertise and leadership within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $34,980 | $16.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $35,168 | $16.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $48,050 | $23.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $58,613 | $28.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $60,190 | $28.9 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$46,890
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$46,890
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $46,890 in Tulsa, OK, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's salary in Tulsa is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the cost of everyday goods and services.
Job Market Context
650
Total Jobs
1.436
Per 1K Jobs
1.75
Location Quotient
Tulsa, OK has 1.8x 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.
Tulsa's Location Quotient of 1.75 for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators indicates a market that is more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a higher prevalence of these jobs relative to the general workforce, implying a potentially competitive environment for new entrants but also a strong presence of established opportunities and demand for skilled professionals in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Comparing salaries near Tulsa, OK
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 Tulsa, OK?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Tulsa, OK is $46,890. This typically ranges from $34,980 for entry-level positions to $60,190 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tulsa, OK is 22.2% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is Tulsa, OK a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
No, not when compared to the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary of $46,890 is significantly lower than the national average of $60,280 for this profession.
Is Tulsa, OK a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Tulsa, OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tulsa, OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area ($40,340) and Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 650 indicates a substantial pool of professionals, suggesting established industry presence and ongoing demand for skilled operators in Tulsa.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.75 mean for this role?
A Location Quotient above 1.0 signifies a higher concentration of this job in Tulsa compared to the national average, indicating potentially stronger local demand.
How does Tulsa's cost of living compare nationally?
Tulsa's Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it is exactly average compared to the rest of the United States.
Are there many job openings for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Tulsa?
With 1.436 jobs per 1,000 workers, the availability of positions is moderately high, reflecting consistent need within the city's infrastructure.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 650 employees in the Tulsa, OK area with a job density of 1.436 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 Tulsa, OK