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Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Wheeling, WV-OH

The average salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Wheeling, WV-OH is $48,170. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Wheeling, WV-OH may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power. Notably, Wheeling, WV-OH is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 3.73x higher than average.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $48,170 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,090.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 180 professionals. With a high job density of 3.068 per 1,000 jobs, there is a strong concentration of opportunities in this sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$48,170

The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Wheeling, WV-OH earns-20.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$23.2

Weekly

$926

Monthly

$4,014

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Wheeling, WV-OH

The earning potential for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Wheeling, WV-OH 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 $35,390, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $58,090.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$35,390$17
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$36,128$17.4
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$51,290$24.7
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$60,213$28.9
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$58,090$27.9

Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$48,170

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$48,170

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Wheeling, WV-OH, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $48,170 to $48,170.

Job Market Context

180

Total Jobs

3.068

Per 1K Jobs

3.73

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Wheeling, WV-OH has 3.7x 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.

180 people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Wheeling, WV-OH.

Moderate density — roughly 3.068 out of every 1,000 local jobs are in this profession.

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 Wheeling, WV-OH?

The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Wheeling, WV-OH is $48,170. This typically ranges from $35,390 for entry-level positions to $58,090 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Wheeling, WV-OH is 20.1% lower than the national median of $60,280.

Is Wheeling, WV-OH a good place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?

Yes, Wheeling, WV-OH is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($48,170), 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 Wheeling, WV-OH a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Wheeling, WV-OH is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Wheeling, WV-OH?

Some top paying nearby cities include Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH ($48,610) and Pittsburgh, PA.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 180 employees in the Wheeling, WV-OH area with a job density of 3.068 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.