How To Become A Water/Wastewater Engineer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a water/wastewater engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

A water/wastewater engineer is an individual who designs and oversees projects involving the management and distribution of drinkable water to communities, as well as the disposal of wastewater and sewage. These professionals also work with engineers to prevent floods and flood damage, reduce stormwater and erosion, design water treatment facilities, and work with regulatory organizations to ensure all facilities and protocols meet strict environmental guidelines. These professionals also conduct computer hydraulic modeling and pipeline design and perform quality analysis of water.

Most water/wastewater engineers have a bachelor's degree in civil, chemical, or mechanical engineering, and some programs provide a concentration in certain areas such as pipeline design or wastewater treatment. These individuals should possess strong mathematical and computer skills, as well as a broad knowledge of the physical and life sciences. Those individuals who wish to concentrate on design, training, and experience in AutoCAD (3D computer design software) design are highly recommended.

Many water/wastewater engineers can make up to $81,000 per year in the US, and the career field is expected to grow 5% by 2028.

ScoreWater/Wastewater EngineerUS Average

Salary

6.7

Avg. Salary $85,682

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.6

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

10.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.44%

Asian 12.82%

Black or African American 3.47%

Hispanic or Latino 10.14%

Unknown 3.83%

White 69.30%

Gender

female 18.33%

male 81.67%

Age - 42

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42

Stress level

6.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.7

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a water/wastewater engineer

Explore water/wastewater engineer education requirements

Most common water/wastewater engineer degrees

Bachelor's

58.2 %

Master's

23.6 %

High School Diploma

7.3 %

Start to develop specific water/wastewater engineer skills

Skills	Percentages
Autocad	19.81%
Project Management	13.30%
Cost Estimates	10.81%
GIS	10.14%
Pump Stations	9.83%

Complete relevant water/wastewater engineer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New water/wastewater engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a water/wastewater engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real water/wastewater engineer resumes.

Research water/wastewater engineer duties and responsibilities

Create and manage comprehensive database of groundwater production assets.
Design a permanent water withdrawal and conveyance system as well as impoundments for water storage.
Conduct water & sewer studies from which later water & sewer storage and conveyance systems are designed and construct.
Aid in the selection of an aerial mapping firm, a GIS consulting firm, and a civil engineering firm.

Apply for water/wastewater engineer jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a water/wastewater engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do water/wastewater engineers rate their job?

4/5

Based on 1 ratings

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Water/wastewater engineer reviews

4.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019

Pros

It’s been interesting learning how to manage and repair the various parts and pieces of these systems, and I like that I’m not always at a desk .

Cons

Frozen stuff and broken things