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Wastewater plant operator salary
Average wastewater plant operator salary
$45,658
Understanding Wastewater Plant Operator Salaries
The role of a wastewater plant operator is crucial for public health and environmental sustainability. On average, these professionals earn $45,658 annually, translating to approximately $22 per hour. Salaries vary significantly based on factors such as geographic location, experience, and certifications. For instance, operators in states like California and New York may earn more due to higher living costs and demand for skilled labor.
In addition to base salary, operators can enhance their income through overtime opportunities and specialized training. Many employers offer benefits that further contribute to overall compensation, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Additionally, continuous education and professional development can lead to higher paying positions within the industry.
Salary Estimates Across the United States
According to data from various sources, salaries for wastewater plant operators can differ significantly. States such as Texas and Florida offer competitive wages, while areas with a higher cost of living tend to provide higher compensation. Understanding these variations can help prospective operators make informed decisions about their career paths.
- California: $50,000+
- New York: $48,000+
- Texas: $45,000+
For those considering this career, researching local job markets and salary trends can provide valuable insights into potential earnings and job prospects.
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Where can a Wastewater Plant Operator earn more?
Wastewater plant operator salaries by experience level
| Experience level | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level wastewater plant operator | $41,600 | $20.01 |
| Mid-level wastewater plant operator | $56,400 | $27.13 |
| Senior-level wastewater plant operator | $60,300 | $29.00 |
Wastewater plant operator salary estimates from across the web
Average wastewater plant operator salary by state
The average wastewater plant operator salary in Washington, Maine, and Massachusetts are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average wastewater plant operator salary states are New Mexico, Georgia, and Louisiana.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for wastewater plant operators
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | $66,464 | $31.95 |
| 2 | Alaska | $65,009 | $31.25 |
| 3 | Vermont | $66,041 | $31.75 |
| 4 | New Jersey | $60,497 | $29.09 |
| 5 | Rhode Island | $53,939 | $25.93 |
| 6 | Maine | $71,052 | $34.16 |
| 7 | California | $66,151 | $31.80 |
| 8 | Washington | $78,671 | $37.82 |
| 9 | Maryland | $53,723 | $25.83 |
| 10 | Colorado | $57,107 | $27.46 |
| 11 | Delaware | $54,838 | $26.36 |
| 12 | North Dakota | $59,924 | $28.81 |
| 13 | Montana | $51,487 | $24.75 |
| 14 | West Virginia | $49,614 | $23.85 |
| 15 | Wisconsin | $49,750 | $23.92 |
| 16 | Oregon | $60,384 | $29.03 |
| 17 | Nevada | $54,216 | $26.07 |
| 18 | Pennsylvania | $51,121 | $24.58 |
| 19 | Wyoming | $48,132 | $23.14 |
| 20 | Illinois | $52,631 | $25.30 |
| 21 | District of Columbia | $52,306 | $25.15 |
| 22 | Nebraska | $50,271 | $24.17 |
| 23 | Indiana | $47,629 | $22.90 |
| 24 | South Dakota | $46,110 | $22.17 |
| 25 | Connecticut | $54,810 | $26.35 |
| 26 | Iowa | $45,962 | $22.10 |
| 27 | Hawaii | $47,718 | $22.94 |
| 28 | Arizona | $47,972 | $23.06 |
| 29 | Idaho | $46,581 | $22.39 |
| 30 | New Hampshire | $50,330 | $24.20 |
| 31 | Ohio | $43,643 | $20.98 |
| 32 | Minnesota | $47,227 | $22.71 |
| 33 | New York | $50,680 | $24.37 |
| 34 | Michigan | $46,322 | $22.27 |
| 35 | Kansas | $42,397 | $20.38 |
| 36 | Utah | $42,193 | $20.29 |
| 37 | Alabama | $39,295 | $18.89 |
| 38 | Tennessee | $39,697 | $19.09 |
| 39 | Kentucky | $38,822 | $18.66 |
| 40 | Missouri | $41,471 | $19.94 |
| 41 | North Carolina | $40,148 | $19.30 |
| 42 | Mississippi | $34,041 | $16.37 |
| 43 | South Carolina | $36,365 | $17.48 |
| 44 | Texas | $38,540 | $18.53 |
| 45 | Florida | $38,655 | $18.58 |
| 46 | Virginia | $39,953 | $19.21 |
| 47 | New Mexico | $36,009 | $17.31 |
| 48 | Louisiana | $34,529 | $16.60 |
| 49 | Georgia | $35,997 | $17.31 |
| 50 | Arkansas | $33,315 | $16.02 |
| 51 | Oklahoma | $34,068 | $16.38 |
Highest paying cities for wastewater plant operators
The highest-paying cities for wastewater plant operators are Redding, CA, Taunton, MA, and Westminster, CO.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Redding, CA | $70,635 | $33.96 |
| 2 | Taunton, MA | $66,501 | $31.97 |
| 3 | Westminster, CO | $57,376 | $27.58 |
| 4 | Collinsville, IL | $48,354 | $23.25 |
| 5 | Salt Lake City, UT | $42,309 | $20.34 |
| 6 | Arlington, VA | $41,321 | $19.87 |
| 7 | Bradenton, FL | $39,076 | $18.79 |
| 8 | Copperas Cove, TX | $38,849 | $18.68 |
| 9 | Rock Hill, SC | $37,520 | $18.04 |
| 10 | Atlanta, GA | $36,254 | $17.43 |
| 11 | Jackson, MS | $34,022 | $16.36 |
Wastewater plant operator salary details
A wastewater plant operator's salary ranges from $32,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $64,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a wastewater plant operator's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $64,000 | $5,333 | $31 |
| 75th Percentile | $54,000 | $4,500 | $26 |
| Average | $45,658 | $3,805 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,000 | $3,167 | $18 |
| 10th Percentile | $32,000 | $2,667 | $15 |
Highest paying wastewater plant operator jobs
The highest paying types of wastewater plant operators are transmission system operator, senior system operator, and auxiliary operator.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water Technician | $38,723 | $3,227 | $18.62 | 34,702 |
| Water Treatment Technician | $44,399 | $3,700 | $21.35 | 16,677 |
| Operator | $37,928 | $3,161 | $18.23 | 159,077 |
| Auxiliary Operator | $60,040 | $5,003 | $28.87 | 32,777 |
| Utility Operator | $38,693 | $3,224 | $18.60 | 67,565 |
| Utility Plant Operative | $42,253 | $3,521 | $20.31 | 19,159 |
Top companies hiring wastewater plant operators now:
Which companies pay wastewater plant operators the most?
Wastewater plant operator salaries at Icma-rc and 1 8 3 Lanes are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average wastewater plant operator salary at companies like Golden State Foods and City of San Diego are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Icma-rc | $60,428 | $29.05 |
| 2 | 1 8 3 Lanes | $58,377 | $28.07 |
| 3 | Golden State Foods | $54,877 | $26.38 |
| 4 | City of San Diego | $54,805 | $26.35 |
| 5 | Aqua | $54,579 | $26.24 |
| 6 | American Water | $54,548 | $26.23 |
| 7 | Magna International | $53,498 | $25.72 |
| 8 | H.B. Fuller | $52,779 | $25.37 |
| 9 | JBS USA | $52,535 | $25.26 |
| 10 | USG | $51,350 | $24.69 |
| 11 | Woodard & Curran | $49,824 | $23.95 |
| 12 | Mountaire Farms | $49,824 | $23.95 |
| 13 | Perdue Farms | $49,540 | $23.82 |
| 14 | The Coca-Cola Company | $49,062 | $23.59 |
| 15 | Aerotek | $48,560 | $23.35 |
| 16 | Whitewater Express, Inc. | $48,527 | $23.33 |
| 17 | City Of Pasco | $48,001 | $23.08 |
| 18 | City of Boise | $47,921 | $23.04 |
| 19 | Veolia Water Tech | $47,738 | $22.95 |
| 20 | Tyson Foods | $47,550 | $22.86 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Wastewater Plant Operator salary by industry
The average wastewater plant operator salary varies across industries:
- The average wastewater plant operator salary in the utilities industry is $48,114, the highest of any industry.
- The average wastewater plant operator salary in the finance industry is $48,035.
- Wastewater plant operators in the government industry earn an average salary of $43,812, the lowest of any industry.
Highest paying industries for wastewater plant operators
| Rank | Industry | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utilities | $48,114 | $23.13 |
| 2 | Energy | $48,035 | $23.09 |
| 3 | Professional | $47,626 | $22.90 |
| 4 | Government | $43,812 | $21.06 |
High paying wastewater plant operator jobs
Wastewater plant operator salary trends
The average wastewater plant operator salary has risen by $6,799 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average wastewater plant operator earned $38,859 annually, but today, they earn $45,658 a year. That works out to a 7% change in pay for wastewater plant operators over the last decade.
Compare wastewater plant operator salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average wastewater plant operator salary over time
Compare wastewater plant operator salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Wastewater plant operator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $45,700 | $21.95 | +2.7% |
| 2024 | $44,400 | $21.36 | +2.1% |
| 2023 | $43,500 | $20.92 | +1.3% |
| 2022 | $42,900 | $20.64 | +0.8% |
| 2021 | $42,600 | $20.46 | +2.1% |
Recently added wastewater plant operator salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Kyle (Tx | Assistant Wastewater Plant Operator or Wastewater Plant Operator | Kyle, TX | 06/28/2025 | $42,157 |
| Manatee County Government | Water/Wastewater Plant Operator Tech Trainee-III (DOQ) | Bradenton, FL | 06/27/2025 | $38,401 |
| City of Burlington, Vermont | Wastewater Plant Assistant Operator I | Burlington, VT | 06/26/2025 | $58,039 |
| Englewood Water District | Wastewater Plant Operator Licensed or Trainee | Englewood, FL | 06/26/2025 | $43,931 |
| Vestis Services | Operator Wastewater | Los Angeles, CA | 06/25/2025 | $44,871 |
| Cargill | Wastewater Operator | Fort Morgan, CO | 06/24/2025 | $49,045 |
| Cargill, Inc. | Wastewater Operator | Fort Morgan, CO | 06/24/2025 | $49,045 |
| HKA Enterprises | Wastewater Operator | Roseburg, OR | 06/24/2025 | $50,088 |
| Operational Technical Services | Wastewater Operator III | San Bernardino, CA | 06/24/2025 | $83,480 |
| Agri Beef-Real Families, Great People, Exceptional Beef | Wastewater Operator | Toppenish, WA | 06/20/2025 | $44,871 |
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