Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary (2025)
Based on 128,490 employed workers · BLS OEWS May 2025
Salary Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual |
|---|---|
10th Percentile Bottom 10% | $39,110 |
25th Percentile Lower quarter | $48,040 |
50th PercentileMedian Median | $60,020 |
75th Percentile Upper quarter | $74,780 |
90th Percentile Top 10% | $91,060 |
Salary Distribution
Annual Salary Range
10th
$39K
25th
$48K
Median
$60K
75th
$75K
90th
$91K
Highest Paying States for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
States with highest average wages · BLS May 2025
| State | Annual Mean |
|---|---|
| California | $87,190 |
| Washington | $82,770 |
| Nevada | $80,880 |
| Connecticut | $78,890 |
| New Jersey | $77,530 |
| Colorado | $72,670 |
| Illinois | $71,820 |
| Wyoming | $71,550 |
| Minnesota | $71,490 |
| Oregon | $70,620 |
Geographic Salary Variation
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salaries vary significantly across the United States. The highest paying state is California at an average of $87,190 per year, while Oregon has an average of $70,620 — a difference of $16,570. These geographic differences reflect variations in cost of living, demand, and local labor market conditions.
Highest Paying Metro Areas
Top cities by average annual wage
About Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 128,490 workers were employed as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in the United States as of May 2025. This occupation is classified under Production Occupations. The annual mean wage of $62,540 reflects data from employer surveys conducted by BLS.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 · SOC Code: 51-8031