Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators Salary in the United States
Median pay, percentile range, and top US metros — official BLS data.
The median salary for Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators in the United States is $60,020 per year — about $29 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half of all workers in this occupation earn between $48,040 and $74,780 a year.
Salary range
Top US metros for Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
| Metro | Local salary |
|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $125,160 |
| Fairbanks-College, AK | $99,840 |
| Vallejo, CA | $106,150 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $108,190 |
| Napa, CA | $101,540 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $99,010 |
| Rockford, IL | $77,830 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA | $87,840 |
| Bloomington, IL | $79,220 |
| Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV | $84,450 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators make in the US?
The median salary is $60,020 per year (about $29 per hour), according to BLS data. The middle 50% of workers earn between $48,040 and $74,780 a year.
How much do Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators make per hour?
About $29 per hour, based on the median annual salary of $60,020 for full-time work (2,080 hours per year).
What education do you need to work as Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do these salary figures include bonuses or overtime?
No. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics reflect base wages only — they exclude overtime pay, bonuses, and most benefits.
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