Skilled Trades

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators

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 salary

$58,260

Typical range

$38k – $86k

Job outlook

See national outlook

AI exposure

Plan a path to Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators

Education

Typical entry: No degree required

Junior Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Entry / Junior
$37,870
~2 yrs to advance
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Established
$58,260
~3 yrs to advance
Senior Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Senior
$72,210

•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.

Any field

Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.