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Job outlook for water system operators in the United States
Water system operator job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected water system operator job growth rate is -7% from 2018-2028.
About -8,600 new jobs for water system operators are projected over the next decade.
Water system operator salaries have increased 7% for water system operators in the last 5 years.
There are over 4,011 water system operators currently employed in the United States.
There are 48,105 active water system operator job openings in the US.
The average water system operator salary is $40,831.
Are water system operator jobs in demand?
No, water system operator jobs are not in demand. Water system operator demand is projected to decline -7% from 2018 to 2028.
Water system operator job and salary trends over time
Compare the number of water system operator jobs and the average water system operator salary over time.
Water system operator jobs over time
Water system operator job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4,011 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 3,952 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 4,096 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 4,094 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 3,888 | 0.00% |
Average water system operator salary over time
Water system operator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $40,831 | $19.63 | +2.8% |
| 2025 | $39,724 | $19.10 | +2.1% |
| 2024 | $38,909 | $18.71 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $38,385 | $18.45 | +0.9% |
| 2022 | $38,061 | $18.30 | +2.2% |
Water system operator jobs by state
The map below shows you the number of water system operator job openings in each state. The darker areas on the map show where water system operators earn the highest salaries across all 50 states.
Average salary: Job openings:
Most common states for water system operators
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 202 | 29% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,271 | 19% |
| 3 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,169 | 19% |
| 4 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 154 | 15% |
| 5 | Alaska | 739,795 | 108 | 15% |
| 6 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 851 | 9% |
| 7 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 570 | 7% |
| 8 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 95 | 7% |
| 9 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 44 | 6% |
| 10 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 280 | 5% |
| 11 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 273 | 4% |
| 12 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 264 | 4% |
| 13 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 202 | 4% |
| 14 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 55 | 4% |
| 15 | Delaware | 961,939 | 37 | 4% |
| 16 | Vermont | 623,657 | 27 | 4% |
| 17 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 22 | 4% |
| 18 | California | 39,536,653 | 1,174 | 3% |
| 19 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 131 | 3% |
| 20 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 34 | 3% |
Most common cities for water system operators
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Corpus Christi | 1 | 0% | $32,956 |
| 2 | Sacramento | 1 | 0% | $50,460 |