For Educators: Military Resources
Military Water and Sewage Treatment Plant Operators
Median Salary
62,334
Workforce Count
13,443
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
Military bases operate their own water treatment plants, which provide drinking water and safely dispose of sewage when public facilities cannot be used. Water and sewage treatment plant operators control processes and equipment that remove pollutants from the water so that it is safe to drink and can be returned safely to natural areas or be reused. They also run the equipment, control the processes, and monitor the plants that treat the water.
What is the work environment like?
Water and sewage treatment plant operators work indoors and outdoors. They may be exposed to strong odors.
How many people have this role in the Military?
13,443
Compensation
Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Always fixed based on rank and service time.
- Distributed monthly.
What is the typical salary range?
Salary by Years of Service
$87,689
2 Years
$68,913
6 Years
$87,689
10+ Years
Median Salary
Military Details
What Service Branches offer this role?
Is this a staff or leadership role?
Enlisted service members execute vital tasks, support operations alongside officers and develop role-specific skills to achieve mission success.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer PathsWhat does the training for this role entail?
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Water and sewage treatment plant operators in the Military will gain skills through classroom study and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training may include:
- Operation of water and sewage treatment systems
- Water testing and analysis
- Maintenance and repair of pumps, compressors, and other equipment
- Identification of health hazards
- Inspection of food products, food service operations, wastewater, and waste disposal facilities
Education
What level of education do professionals in this role have?
Which college majors best prepare you for this role?
- Water Quality and Wastewater Treatment Management and Recycling Technology/Technician
Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree
The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For CollegeSkills and Interest
What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?
- Chemistry
- Mechanical
- Education and Training
- Mathematics
- Biology
What personality traits help people thrive in this role?
Realistic
You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.
Conventional
You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.
RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.
Take the RIASEC Test