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Water system operator salary
Average water system operator salary
$40,831
Water System Operator Salary Overview
The average salary for a Water System Operator in the United States is approximately $40,831 per year, translating to about $20 per hour. Salaries can vary based on several factors, including geographical location, years of experience, and specific job responsibilities.
Salary by State
In certain states, water system operators may earn significantly more. For example, states like California and New York often offer higher wages due to increased living costs and demand for skilled professionals. Understanding regional salary differences can guide job seekers in making informed career decisions.
Experience Matters
Experience level also plays a crucial role in salary determination. Entry-level operators typically earn less, while those with several years in the field can command salaries well beyond the average. Additionally, specialized roles within the water management sector may offer even higher compensation.
Job Opportunities
As the demand for clean water continues to grow, the need for qualified water system operators is expected to increase. This field not only offers competitive salaries but also provides job security and opportunities for advancement. Consider pursuing a career as a water system operator to contribute to your community and secure a stable future.
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Where can a Water System Operator earn more?
Water system operator salaries by experience level
| Experience level | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level water system operator | $37,200 | $17.89 |
| Mid-level water system operator | $50,500 | $24.26 |
| Senior-level water system operator | $53,900 | $25.93 |
Water system operator salary estimates from across the web
Average water system operator salary by state
The highest-paying states for water system operators are Washington, Maine, and Massachusetts. The lowest average water system operator salary states are Georgia, New Mexico, and Louisiana.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for water system operators
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | $56,473 | $27.15 |
| 2 | Washington | $61,746 | $29.69 |
| 3 | Vermont | $55,882 | $26.87 |
| 4 | North Dakota | $49,698 | $23.89 |
| 5 | New Jersey | $51,048 | $24.54 |
| 6 | Alaska | $50,721 | $24.39 |
| 7 | Rhode Island | $45,932 | $22.08 |
| 8 | Oregon | $47,456 | $22.82 |
| 9 | California | $49,024 | $23.57 |
| 10 | Maryland | $44,893 | $21.58 |
| 11 | Maine | $60,160 | $28.92 |
| 12 | Delaware | $46,014 | $22.12 |
| 13 | Nevada | $44,721 | $21.50 |
| 14 | Connecticut | $46,608 | $22.41 |
| 15 | New Hampshire | $42,653 | $20.51 |
| 16 | Pennsylvania | $42,934 | $20.64 |
| 17 | District of Columbia | $43,552 | $20.94 |
| 18 | Montana | $42,120 | $20.25 |
| 19 | Wyoming | $39,820 | $19.14 |
| 20 | West Virginia | $41,587 | $19.99 |
| 21 | Nebraska | $42,543 | $20.45 |
| 22 | Arizona | $39,518 | $19.00 |
| 23 | Colorado | $39,887 | $19.18 |
| 24 | Illinois | $44,270 | $21.28 |
| 25 | Wisconsin | $41,673 | $20.04 |
| 26 | Indiana | $40,143 | $19.30 |
| 27 | Iowa | $38,726 | $18.62 |
| 28 | Michigan | $38,826 | $18.67 |
| 29 | South Dakota | $38,773 | $18.64 |
| 30 | Minnesota | $39,368 | $18.93 |
| 31 | Hawaii | $38,137 | $18.34 |
| 32 | New York | $42,792 | $20.57 |
| 33 | Alabama | $34,891 | $16.77 |
| 34 | Florida | $38,067 | $18.30 |
| 35 | Idaho | $37,358 | $17.96 |
| 36 | Ohio | $36,649 | $17.62 |
| 37 | Kansas | $36,159 | $17.38 |
| 38 | Utah | $34,981 | $16.82 |
| 39 | Virginia | $33,403 | $16.06 |
| 40 | North Carolina | $34,835 | $16.75 |
| 41 | Tennessee | $34,532 | $16.60 |
| 42 | Texas | $32,717 | $15.73 |
| 43 | Missouri | $35,471 | $17.05 |
| 44 | South Carolina | $32,659 | $15.70 |
| 45 | Mississippi | $30,140 | $14.49 |
| 46 | New Mexico | $30,953 | $14.88 |
| 47 | Georgia | $32,200 | $15.48 |
| 48 | Kentucky | $33,043 | $15.89 |
| 49 | Louisiana | $30,791 | $14.80 |
| 50 | Arkansas | $28,778 | $13.84 |
| 51 | Oklahoma | $29,410 | $14.14 |
Highest paying cities for water system operators
The highest-paying cities for water system operators are Boston, MA, Menlo Park, CA, and Middletown, CT.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boston, MA | $56,406 | $27.12 |
| 2 | Menlo Park, CA | $50,548 | $24.30 |
| 3 | Middletown, CT | $46,759 | $22.48 |
| 4 | Loveland, CO | $40,191 | $19.32 |
| 5 | Tucson, AZ | $39,255 | $18.87 |
| 6 | Fort Myers, FL | $38,426 | $18.47 |
| 7 | Washington, UT | $35,446 | $17.04 |
| 8 | Garland, TX | $32,409 | $15.58 |
Water system operator salary details
A water system operator's salary ranges from $30,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $54,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a water system operator's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $54,000 | $4,500 | $26 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,000 | $3,917 | $23 |
| Average | $40,831 | $3,403 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,000 | $2,833 | $16 |
| 10th Percentile | $30,000 | $2,500 | $14 |
Highest paying water system operator jobs
The highest paying types of water system operators are transmission system operator, senior system operator, and auxiliary operator.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water Treatment Technician | $44,399 | $3,700 | $21.35 | 16,677 |
| Utility Plant Operative | $42,253 | $3,521 | $20.31 | 19,159 |
| Water Technician | $38,723 | $3,227 | $18.62 | 34,702 |
| Operator | $37,928 | $3,161 | $18.23 | 159,077 |
| Utility Operator | $38,693 | $3,224 | $18.60 | 67,565 |
| Auxiliary Operator | $60,040 | $5,003 | $28.87 | 32,777 |
Top companies hiring water system operators now:
Which companies pay water system operators the most?
Water system operator salaries at City of San Jos and Princeton University are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average water system operator salary at companies like 1 8 3 Lanes and City of Downey are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | City of San Jos | $52,448 | $25.22 |
| 2 | Princeton University | $47,660 | $22.91 |
| 3 | 1 8 3 Lanes | $47,117 | $22.65 |
| 4 | City of Downey | $47,082 | $22.64 |
| 5 | City of Riverside | $46,721 | $22.46 |
| 6 | American Water | $45,895 | $22.06 |
| 7 | Weston & Sampson | $42,251 | $20.31 |
| 8 | Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City | $41,626 | $20.01 |
| 9 | Brigham Moore | $41,226 | $19.82 |
| 10 | Lehi City | $40,398 | $19.42 |
| 11 | State of Connecticut | $40,333 | $19.39 |
| 12 | City of Tucson | $40,302 | $19.38 |
| 13 | Loveland City Hall | $39,989 | $19.23 |
| 14 | City of Menlo Park | $38,862 | $18.68 |
| 15 | G&A Partners | $38,804 | $18.66 |
| 16 | Washington City Paper | $35,395 | $17.02 |
| 17 | Aerotek | $34,685 | $16.68 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Water system operator salary trends
The average water system operator salary has risen by $6,080 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average water system operator earned $34,751 annually, but today, they earn $40,831 a year. That works out to a 7% change in pay for water system operators over the last decade.
Compare water system operator salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average water system operator salary over time
Compare water system operator salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Water system operator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $40,800 | $19.63 | +2.7% |
| 2024 | $39,700 | $19.10 | +2.1% |
| 2023 | $38,900 | $18.71 | +1.3% |
| 2022 | $38,400 | $18.45 | +0.8% |
| 2021 | $38,100 | $18.30 | +2.1% |
Recently added water system operator salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operational Technical Services | Lead Systems Water Operator | Fresno, CA | 06/24/2025 | $77,219 |
| Windward Risk Managers | Duck Creek System Configurator I | Boca Raton, FL | 06/18/2025 | $70,000 |
| Eurofins USA Environment Testing | Public Water Systems Operator-Granite State Analytical, Environment Testing | Derry, NH | 06/12/2025 | $41,740 |
| Kleinfelder, Inc. | Water System Operator | Huntingtown, MD | 06/11/2025 | $41,600 |
| Eurofins Scientific | Public Water Systems Operator-Granite State Analytical, Environment Testing | Tome, NM | 06/10/2025 | $41,740 |
| Salt Lake City, Ut | Water System Maintenance Operator II | Salt Lake City, UT | 06/10/2025 | $49,316 |
| City of Idaho Falls | Water System Equipment Operator | Idaho Falls, ID | 05/28/2025 | $48,001 |
| City of Idaho Falls (Id | Water System Equipment Operator | Idaho Falls, ID | 05/24/2025 | $48,001 |
| City of Arvada | Water System Operations-Hourly | Hope, IN | 05/13/2025 | $39,653 |
| ECCV Water District | Water Systems Operator | Aurora, CO | 05/07/2025 | $50,860 |
Water system operator salary FAQs
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