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The differences between wastewater treatment operators and water treatment 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 treatment operator. Additionally, a water treatment operator has an average salary of $48,112, which is higher than the $45,618 average annual salary of a wastewater treatment operator.
The top three skills for a wastewater treatment operator include plant equipment, process control and blowers. The most important skills for a water treatment operator are water treatment plant, SCADA, and water samples.
| Wastewater Treatment Operator | Water Treatment Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $45,618 | $48,112 |
| Hourly rate | $21.93 | $23.13 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 32,561 | 32,838 |
| 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 treatment operator oversees the daily operations at water treatment plants, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Among their responsibilities include operating machines and equipment, collecting and testing water samples, maintaining records of meter and gauge readings, and adding chemicals according to protocols. They must also keep the cleanliness of facilities, monitor the meters and gauges, and perform equipment adjustments when necessary. Moreover, a water treatment operator must adhere to safety policies and government regulations and conduct inspections to ensure compliance in other areas.
Wastewater treatment operators and water treatment operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Wastewater Treatment Operator | Water Treatment Operator | |
| Average salary | $45,618 | $48,112 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $64,000 | Between $35,000 And $65,000 |
| Highest paying City | Mercer Island, WA | Los Angeles, CA |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | Washington |
| Best paying company | Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory | Jacobs Engineering Group |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Energy |
There are a few differences between a wastewater treatment operator and a water treatment operator in terms of educational background:
| Wastewater Treatment Operator | Water Treatment Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 31% | Bachelor's Degree, 34% |
| Most common major | Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians | Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between wastewater treatment operators' and water treatment operators' demographics:
| Wastewater Treatment Operator | Water Treatment Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.0% Female, 9.0% | Male, 91.0% Female, 9.0% |
| 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, 7.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 1.8% White, 70.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |