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The differences between wastewater treatment operators and water operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a wastewater treatment operator and a water operator. Additionally, a wastewater treatment operator has an average salary of $45,618, which is higher than the $43,748 average annual salary of a water operator.
The top three skills for a wastewater treatment operator include plant equipment, process control and blowers. The most important skills for a water operator are treatment facilities, water samples, and CDL.
| Wastewater Treatment Operator | Water Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $45,618 | $43,748 |
| Hourly rate | $21.93 | $21.03 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 32,561 | 38,012 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 31% | Bachelor's Degree, 34% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
A wastewater treatment operator is responsible for overseeing the daily operations in water treatment plans, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their duties include coordinating with different staff, operating controls and systems, gathering water samples, maintaining the cleanliness of all areas and equipment, and monitoring the progress of all operations. They must also keep accurate records of data, reporting progress to managers or supervisors. Furthermore, as a wastewater treatment operator, it is essential to perform regular maintenance checks to maintain a safe and efficient work environment.
A water operator usually works at water treatment plants and establishments where they are primarily in charge of processing water according to guidelines and health protocols. Their responsibilities usually revolve around monitoring equipment and procedures, gathering and analyzing water samples, performing necessary adjustments, reading and recording meters, and maintaining the cleanliness of facilities while adhering to the standards and regulations. Moreover, a water operator must maintain an active communication line with co-workers, coordinating for a smooth and efficient workflow.
Wastewater treatment operators and water operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Wastewater Treatment Operator | Water Operator | |
| Average salary | $45,618 | $43,748 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $64,000 | Between $32,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Mercer Island, WA | Bellevue, WA |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | Washington |
| Best paying company | Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory | Continental Resources |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a wastewater treatment operator and a water operator in terms of educational background:
| Wastewater Treatment Operator | Water Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 31% | Bachelor's Degree, 34% |
| Most common major | Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians | Business |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between wastewater treatment operators' and water operators' demographics:
| Wastewater Treatment Operator | Water Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.0% Female, 9.0% | Male, 89.5% Female, 10.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 12.4% Asian, 1.8% White, 71.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.5% | Black or African American, 7.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 1.8% White, 71.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |