Water/Wastewater Engineers
Water and wastewater engineers design and manage systems for delivering clean drinking water, treating sewage, and controlling flooding. They work for government agencies, consulting firms, municipalities, and engineering companies, combining technical design work with field investigations and regulatory compliance to protect public health and the environment.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against water/wastewater engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week includes hydraulic modeling and pipeline design at the office, reviewing environmental documentation and regulatory requirements, and conducting field inspections of water treatment facilities or sewage systems. Engineers analyze data, collaborate with other specialists on project teams, and prepare technical reports. Site visits to assess existing infrastructure or monitor construction progress are regular parts of the work.
Who this work suits
Holland code RIC. 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 likely enjoy solving practical problems through investigation and analysis—water systems require understanding complex interactions between infrastructure, regulations, and environmental conditions. People who succeed in this field are detail-oriented, comfortable with technical tools and data, and motivated by the tangible outcomes of ensuring communities have safe water and environmental protection.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $96,590 | $122,500 | $149,350 | 55,180 |
| Alaska | $94,960 | $114,730 | $134,280 | 1,670 |
| Washington | $96,230 | $110,000 | $133,050 | 12,590 |
| Massachusetts | $84,570 | $106,730 | $134,810 | 9,450 |
| Louisiana | $78,770 | $105,380 | $127,940 | 3,780 |
| Oregon | $82,580 | $105,250 | $135,870 | 4,890 |
| New Jersey | $82,270 | $104,660 | $134,270 | 6,900 |
| Nevada | $83,530 | $104,310 | $148,150 | 3,560 |
| New Mexico | $79,570 | $103,900 | $129,310 | 1,350 |
| District of Columbia | $82,120 | $103,880 | $130,720 | 1,650 |
| New York | $84,740 | $103,760 | $135,920 | 17,500 |
| Connecticut | $83,390 | $103,150 | $130,150 | 4,370 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Diplomate, Water Resources Engineer (D.WRE) — American Academy of Water Resources Engineers
- Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems I — National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
- Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems III — National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
- Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) — Transportation Professional Certification Board, Inc.
- Fire Protection: Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems - Level II — National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
- Water Lab Analyst 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/wastewater engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 17-2051.02 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.