Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Winston-Salem, NC, earn an average annual salary of $51,750. This figure is notably below the national average of $60,280, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of living, play a significant role in compensation for this essential role within the city.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $51,750 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,720.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 200 individuals in this specialized field, Winston-Salem presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators. The Location Quotient of 0.9 indicates a presence that is slightly below the national average concentration, suggesting a steady demand that aligns with the general needs of the region's infrastructure.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Winston-Salem, NC earns-14.2%below the national average.
$24.9
$995
$4,313
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Winston-Salem 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, regulatory changes, and the ongoing need to maintain and upgrade essential water infrastructure.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Winston-Salem, NC
Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Winston-Salem typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive knowledge and responsibilities can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in salary distributions clearly signify this career trajectory and the value placed on seasoned professionals.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $42,240 | $20.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $38,813 | $18.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $49,240 | $23.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $64,688 | $31.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $60,720 | $29.2 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$51,750
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$51,750
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $51,750 in Winston-Salem 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 and System Operator's salary in Winston-Salem is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial standing relative to the cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
0.742
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
Winston-Salem, NC 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 Winston-Salem suggests a job market that is closely aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a healthy, competitive environment where the number of operators is proportionate to the general workforce, ensuring a steady supply of talent without being overly saturated or scarce.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Comparing salaries near Winston-Salem, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Winston-Salem, NC?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Winston-Salem, NC is $51,750. This typically ranges from $42,240 for entry-level positions to $60,720 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Winston-Salem, NC is 14.2% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is Winston-Salem, NC a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the salary of $51,750 is on par with the national cost of living, it falls below the national average salary for the role. This indicates that while stable, the compensation is not significantly higher than elsewhere in the country.
Is Winston-Salem, NC a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Winston-Salem, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Winston-Salem, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($50,700) and Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does Winston-Salem's salary compare to the national average for this role?
The average salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Winston-Salem is $51,750, which is lower than the national average of $60,280.
What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC?
Winston-Salem has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical US city.
How many Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are there in Winston-Salem?
There are approximately 200 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators employed in Winston-Salem, NC.
Is there high demand for this role in Winston-Salem?
The Location Quotient of 0.9 suggests a demand that is slightly below the national average concentration, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand for these professionals in the local market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Winston-Salem, NC area with a job density of 0.742 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 Winston-Salem, NC