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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators

Median Salary
54,890
Job Outlook
+3%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.

What sectors do they work in?

State and local government

58%

Private for profit

34%

Private not for profit

4%

Federal Government

2%

Self-employed

2%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Employment of water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators is projected to decline 6 percent from 2023 to 2033. About 10,300 openings for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$29,090

10%

$54,890

Median

$80,260

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    41%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    24%

  • Some college

    20%

  • Associate's degree

    12%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Water Quality and Wastewater Treatment Management and Recycling Technology/Technician

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Chemistry
  • Mechanical
  • Education and Training
  • Mathematics
  • Biology

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

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

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.