Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Wilmington, NC
The average salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Wilmington, NC is $53,550. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Wilmington, NC may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $53,550 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $65,820.
- Outlook: The current demand for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 170 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Wilmington, NC economy.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Wilmington, NC earns-11.2%below the national average.
$25.8
$1,030
$4,463
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salaries in Wilmington, NC have shown healthy growth of 18.9%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
The earning potential for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Wilmington, NC 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 $42,220, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $65,820.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $42,220 | $20.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $40,163 | $19.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $52,480 | $25.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $66,938 | $32.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $65,820 | $31.6 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$53,550
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$53,550
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Wilmington, NC, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $53,550 to $53,550.
Job Market Context
170
Total Jobs
0.935
Per 1K Jobs
1.14
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.14, Wilmington, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators roles compared to the national norm.
170 people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Wilmington, NC.
Only 0.935 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
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 Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Wilmington, NC is $53,550. This typically ranges from $42,220 for entry-level positions to $65,820 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 11.2% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Wilmington, NC is $53,550 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Wilmington, NC. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jacksonville, NC ($60,800) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 170 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 0.935 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 Wilmington, NC