Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Water and wastewater treatment plant operators run the equipment and systems that deliver clean water to communities and treat used water before it returns to the environment. They work at municipal water treatment plants, wastewater facilities, and industrial sites, monitoring and adjusting machinery through control panels to ensure water quality and safety.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Operators monitor gauges, dials, and computer screens to track water flow and chemical levels throughout treatment processes. They conduct lab tests on water samples, adjust pumps and valves, record data, and perform routine equipment maintenance. The work involves both routine monitoring and responding to problems that arise, with operators often working shifts including nights and weekends to keep systems running.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You're suited for this work if you prefer hands-on tasks with clear procedures and measurable results. You do well following regulations and protocols carefully, and you're comfortable troubleshooting equipment problems and keeping detailed records.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Post Doctorate Research Associate- Water Resource Engineer/Hydrologist · Pacific Northwest National Laboratory · Sacramento, Sacramento County · $72,633–$72,633
- WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR (Plumbing Worker) LEADER · Air Combat Command · Hurlburt Field, Florida · $68015–$79347
- Key Account Manager, Industrial Water Treatment - Metro Atlanta · Solenis · Georgia · Remote
- Water Systems Operator III · National Park Service · Multiple Locations · $60.97–$60.97
- Lifeguard/Water Safety Instructor · Commander, Navy Installations Command · Everett, Washington · $20.54–$22
- Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project (YRBWEP) Manager · Bureau of Reclamation · Yakima, Washington · $106437–$138370
- Hydrologist (Water Resource Coordinator) · Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs · Multiple Locations · $106437–$150852
- WATER AND FUEL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM MECHANIC · Air Force District of Washington · Andrews AFB, Maryland · $72440–$84628
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $65,250 | $81,770 | $103,550 | 11,630 |
| Nevada | $64,090 | $81,440 | $98,390 | — |
| Washington | $67,690 | $80,800 | $99,940 | 2,030 |
| Connecticut | $64,670 | $78,820 | $93,340 | 980 |
| New Jersey | $62,280 | $78,760 | $93,520 | 2,500 |
| Minnesota | $62,850 | $74,670 | $79,590 | 2,290 |
| Colorado | $60,080 | $74,200 | $83,620 | 2,620 |
| Oregon | $60,670 | $69,720 | $80,540 | 1,240 |
| Massachusetts | $60,120 | $68,550 | $79,050 | 2,510 |
| Illinois | $55,260 | $67,810 | $83,140 | 3,500 |
| Hawaii | $55,470 | $65,560 | $78,320 | 610 |
| Delaware | $54,960 | $64,940 | $76,240 | 340 |
All 50 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Small Water Systems Operator — Water Professionals International
- Wastewater Treatment Operator - Class I — Water Professionals International
- Wastewater Treatment Operator - Class II — Water Professionals International
- Wastewater Treatment Operator - Class III — Water Professionals International
- Wastewater Treatment Operator - Class IV — Water Professionals International
- Water Treatment Operator - Class I — Water Professionals International
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-8031.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.