Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in West Virginia
In West Virginia, water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators earn $43,960 at the median — $21.13 an hour. The range runs from $28K at the entry level to $62K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across West Virginia. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $44K get you in West Virginia?
About water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
Sponsored links — AffordMap may earn a commission at no cost to you. Learn more
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, West Virginia
Entry-level water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators (10th percentile) start around $28K. Mid-career wages sit at $44K. Top earners bring in $62K or more, a $34K spread from bottom to top.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary by metro in West Virginia
7 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheeling | $51K | +17% | 180 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna | $50K | +13% | 60 |
| Weirton-Steubenville | $47K | +8% | 120 |
| Huntington-Ashland | $44K | +1% | 220 |
| Charleston | $39K | -10% | 140 |
| Morgantown | $39K | -12% | 30 |
| Beckley | $37K | -16% | 70 |
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 West Virginia numbers change.
Related careers in Production & Manufacturing
Frequently asked questions
How much do water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators make in West Virginia?
The median is $43,960 a year, that works out to about $21 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $28,490, and experienced water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators can clear $62,390. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $44K enough to live in West Virginia?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,995/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,008/month, which eats 33.7% 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 West Virginia?
West Virginia 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 $49,377 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.