⭐ Environment & Agriculture ↑ 4% growth · Average

Water Treatment Plant Operator

Water treatment operators run the plants that produce safe drinking water and treat wastewater — essential public health infrastructure that employs thousands across every state. Government employment, union membership, strong benefits, and an operator shortage make this a highly secure career.

$50,000 Median Salary
117K US Jobs
6 months–2 years Training
$1,000–$8,000 Typical Cost
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💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$37,000
Median
$50,000
Experienced
$72,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

4%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Average
117K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
State Water/Wastewater Operator License
Required Credential
State Water/Wastewater Operator License (Class I–IV)

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
Water/Wastewater Technology Certificate or AAS
Program Length
6 months–2 years
Typical Tuition
$1,000–$8,000
Work Setting
Municipal water utilities, wastewater treatment plants, private utilities
🏆 Credential Required: State Water/Wastewater Operator License (Class I–IV)

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a Water Treatment Plant Operator involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Municipal water utilities environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🗺️ Water Treatment Plant Operator by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC