Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $50,060. This figure is notably below the national average of $60,280, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a different cost structure compared to more urbanized or high-demand national hubs. The specific economic landscape of nonmetropolitan West Tennessee influences compensation levels for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $50,060 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,380.
- Outlook: The West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area supports a local workforce of 250 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators. With a Location Quotient of 2.58, this role is significantly more concentrated here than the national average, indicating a robust local demand for these professionals relative to the general workforce. The presence of 2.124 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the importance and stability of this sector within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-17.0%below the national average.
$24.1
$963
$4,172
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development, infrastructure investment, and the increasing complexity of water management systems typically drive modest but consistent salary increases in essential utility roles.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While the provided data doesn't detail specific percentile salaries, the gap between starting wages and experienced professional compensation is expected to be substantial, reflecting the acquisition of specialized skills, certifications, and years of operational responsibility. These percentile differences are key indicators of career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $36,740 | $17.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $37,545 | $18.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $51,170 | $24.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $62,575 | $30.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $59,380 | $28.5 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$50,060
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$50,060
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $50,060 in West Tennessee's nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the comparable cost of living suggests that the take-home pay may offer similar real-world value.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
2.124
Per 1K Jobs
2.58
Location Quotient
West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area has 2.6x 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.
A Location Quotient of 2.58 for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in West Tennessee's nonmetropolitan area signifies a market with a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a strong, localized demand for these specialized skills, potentially making it a favorable environment for job seekers in this field, even if the average salary is below the national benchmark.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Comparing salaries near West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $50,060. This typically ranges from $36,740 for entry-level positions to $59,380 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 17.0% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
No, not in terms of nominal salary compared to the national average.While the salary of $50,060 is below the national average of $60,280, the Cost of Living Index is at the national average, meaning purchasing power is comparable. However, the concentration of jobs (LQ 2.58) indicates strong local demand.
Is West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($55,570) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in West Tennessee's nonmetropolitan area is $50,060, which is lower than the national average of $60,280.
What is the job concentration for this role in West Tennessee?
The job concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 2.58, indicating that this role is more than twice as common in West Tennessee's nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means that the $50,060 salary in West Tennessee has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being a lower nominal figure.
What is the total workforce size for this occupation in the area?
There are approximately 250 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators employed in the West Tennessee 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 250 employees in the West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.124 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 West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area