Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in New Mexico
In New Mexico, water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators earn $46,680 at the median — $22.44 an hour. The range runs from $35K at the entry level to $77K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across New Mexico. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $47K get you in New Mexico?
About water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, New Mexico
Entry-level water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators (10th percentile) start around $35K. Mid-career wages sit at $47K. Top earners bring in $77K or more, a $42K spread from bottom to top.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary by metro in New Mexico
4 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe | $62K | +32% | 220 |
| Las Cruces | $47K | +1% | 160 |
| Albuquerque | $47K | +0% | 790 |
| Farmington | $44K | -5% | N/A |
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 New Mexico numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators make in New Mexico?
The median is $46,680 a year, that works out to about $22 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $34,980, and experienced water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators can clear $77,150. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $47K enough to live in New Mexico?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,188/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,119/month, which eats 35.1% 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 New Mexico?
New Mexico 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 $50,161 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.