Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.
Median pay: $60,020/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: -6.5% projected growth, 2024–2034 — declining.
About 10,700 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Collect and test water and sewage samples, using test equipment and color analysis standards.
• Operate and adjust controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose of sewage, and generate power.
• Record operational data, personnel attendance, or meter and gauge readings on specified forms.
• Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids.
• Inspect equipment or monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions.
• Direct and coordinate plant workers engaged in routine operations and maintenance activities.
• Clean and maintain tanks, filter beds, and other work areas, using hand tools and power tools.
• Maintain, repair, and lubricate equipment, using hand tools and power tools.
What's the median pay for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The median pay for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators is $60,020 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
Employment for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators is projected to change -6.5% from 2024 to 2034 - declining.
What education is typically required for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
About 10,700 openings per year, on average, over the decade.