Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Wichita, KS
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Wichita, KS, earn an average annual salary of $47,440. This figure is notably below the national average of $60,280, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of labor, play a significant role in determining compensation within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,440 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $64,590.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 230 and a Location Quotient of 0.9, the job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Wichita, KS, indicates a presence that is slightly below the national average concentration. This suggests a stable, though not exceptionally high, demand for these essential roles within the city's infrastructure.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Wichita, KS earns-21.3%below the national average.
$22.8
$912
$3,953
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wichita is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators nationwide have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by increasing infrastructure needs, regulatory changes, and the ongoing demand for skilled professionals to manage critical water resources.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Wichita, KS
Salary progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Wichita, KS, is expected to follow a typical career trajectory. Entry-level positions will likely command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while experienced operators with specialized certifications and a proven track record can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary data would signify this career advancement from junior to senior roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $36,140 | $17.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $35,580 | $17.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $43,570 | $20.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $59,300 | $28.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $64,590 | $31.1 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,440
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$47,440
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $47,440 in Wichita, KS, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's salary in Wichita is equivalent to the national average, indicating neither a significant financial advantage nor disadvantage when relocating from a similarly priced region.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
0.737
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
Wichita, KS has 0.90x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.9 for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Wichita, KS, signifies that the concentration of these jobs in the area is just slightly below the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market, where the number of available positions is relatively in line with the national distribution, but perhaps with slightly less intense competition than in highly concentrated areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $44,520↓ 6% | 67 mi |
| Enid, OK Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $49,400↑ 4% | 93 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wichita, KS
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 Wichita, KS?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Wichita, KS is $47,440. This typically ranges from $36,140 for entry-level positions to $64,590 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wichita, KS is 21.3% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is Wichita, KS a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $47,440 is significantly lower than the national average of $60,280. However, the Cost of Living Index is at the national average, meaning the salary's purchasing power is standard.
Is Wichita, KS a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Wichita, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wichita, KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kansas nonmetropolitan area ($44,520) and Enid, OK.
What is the average salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator in Wichita, KS?
The average annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator in Wichita, KS is $47,440.
How does Wichita's cost of living compare to the national average?
Wichita, KS has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.
Is the job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators strong in Wichita?
The market is stable with a Location Quotient of 0.9, indicating a presence slightly below the national average concentration, suggesting steady but not booming demand.
How does experience affect salary for this role in Wichita?
Experience significantly impacts salary, with entry-level operators earning less and senior operators with specialized skills commanding higher pay, reflecting career progression.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Wichita, KS area with a job density of 0.737 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 Wichita, KS