Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Washington
In Washington, water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators earn $78,810 at the median — $37.89 an hour. The range runs from $55K at the entry level to $101K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $79K get you in Washington?
About water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington
Entry-level water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators (10th percentile) start around $55K. Mid-career wages sit at $79K.Top earners bring in $101K or more - a $46K 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
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Washington numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators make in Washington?
The median is $78,810 a year - that works out to about $37.89 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $54,990, and experienced water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators can clear $101,450. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $79K enough to live in Washington?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,319/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $1,550/month (median of metro areas), which eats 29.1% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators salary go in Washington?
Washington 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 $78,810 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.