Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in U.S.
In U.S., water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators earn $58,260 at the median — $28.01 an hour. The range runs from $38K at the entry level to $86K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $58K get you in U.S.?
About water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators (10th percentile) start around $38K. Mid-career wages sit at $58K.Top earners bring in $86K or more - a $48K spread from bottom to top.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $82K | +41% | 11,260 |
| Nevada | $79K | +36% | N/A |
| Washington | $79K | +35% | 1,950 |
| Alaska | $77K | +32% | 570 |
| New Jersey | $75K | +29% | 2,040 |
| Connecticut | $74K | +28% | 750 |
| Minnesota | $70K | +21% | 2,050 |
| New Hampshire | $66K | +14% | 930 |
| Hawaii | $66K | +13% | 660 |
| Massachusetts | $66K | +13% | 2,480 |
| Oregon | $65K | +11% | 1,170 |
| Illinois | $64K | +9% | 3,870 |
| New York | $63K | +8% | 5,270 |
| Wisconsin | $62K | +7% | 2,110 |
| Vermont | $62K | +6% | 340 |
Track water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators salary changes
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Frequently asked questions
How much do water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators make in U.S.?
The median is $58,260 a year - that works out to about $28.01 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $37,870, and experienced water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators can clear $86,160. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $58K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,071/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 34.7% 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 U.S.?
U.S. 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 $58,260 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.