Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in South Carolina
In South Carolina, water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators earn $49,480 at the median — $23.79 an hour. The range runs from $36K at the entry level to $72K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across South Carolina. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $49K get you in South Carolina?
About water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, South Carolina
Entry-level water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators (10th percentile) start around $36K. Mid-career wages sit at $49K. Top earners bring in $72K or more, a $36K spread from bottom to top.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary by metro in South Carolina
8 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer | $54K | +10% | 380 |
| Florence | $52K | +5% | 100 |
| Columbia | $52K | +4% | 390 |
| Charleston-North Charleston | $49K | -1% | 440 |
| Spartanburg | $49K | -1% | 250 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach | $49K | -2% | 200 |
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal | $47K | -5% | 150 |
| Sumter | $42K | -15% | 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 South Carolina numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators make in South Carolina?
The median is $49,480 a year, that works out to about $24 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $36,030, and experienced water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators can clear $72,430. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $49K enough to live in South Carolina?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,355/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,263/month, which eats 37.6% 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 South Carolina?
South Carolina 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 $53,107 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.