Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Missouri
In Missouri, water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators earn $52,990 at the median — $25.48 an hour. The range runs from $37K at the entry level to $70K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Missouri. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $53K get you in Missouri?
About water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Missouri
Entry-level water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators (10th percentile) start around $37K. Mid-career wages sit at $53K. Top earners bring in $70K or more, a $32K spread from bottom to top.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary by metro in Missouri
8 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis | $59K | +11% | 1,140 |
| Cape Girardeau | $56K | +6% | 60 |
| St. Joseph | $53K | -0% | 60 |
| Springfield | $53K | -1% | 130 |
| Joplin | $52K | -2% | 90 |
| Kansas City | $51K | -3% | 790 |
| Columbia | $49K | -8% | 90 |
| Jefferson City | $47K | -11% | 60 |
Compare to other states
Track water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Missouri numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators make in Missouri?
The median is $52,990 a year, that works out to about $25 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $37,480, and experienced water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators can clear $69,580. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $53K enough to live in Missouri?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,574/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,097/month, which eats 30.7% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators salary go in Missouri?
Missouri has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators salary is worth about $59,559 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.