Career Profile Water & Wastewater Treatment Plant & System Operators Education HS diploma or less This is the typical education required for an entry-level position. Earnings $47,500 This is the typical median salary earned for an entry-level position. Water & Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater. General Information Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater. Watch a brief video about this occupation. Watch Video Water & Wastewater Treatment Plant & System Operators Occupational Outlook For the Rural Capital Area 48 Job Opportunities Over the next five years, an average of 48 openings per year are projected for Water & Wastewater Treatment Plant & System Operators. +9.5% Employment Change Employment for Water & Wastewater Treatment Plant & System Operators is forecasted to increase on par with the regional average by 9.5% between 2023 and 2028. $22.83 Earnings Potential An average worker in this occupation is paid $22.83/hour. Entry level workers are paid $17.96, while experienced workers are paid $26.53. The median wage is comparable to average regional wages across occupations. Local Employment Opportunities There are 380 Water & Wastewater Treatment Plant & System Operators in the RCA region. By 2028 this number could reach 416. Top Employing Industries, Locally The top industries employing Water & Wastewater Treatment Plant & System Operators are Water, Sewage and Other Systems, Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support, and Justice, Public Order, and Safety Activities. Knowledge Areas The top most significant knowledge categories for Water & Wastewater Treatment Plant & System Operators include Chemistry, Biology, and Mechanical. Educational Attainment Patterns The most common level of education for Water & Wastewater Treatment Plant & System Operators is HS diploma or less. 17% of people employed in these roles have some form of college degree. Sources: BLS JobsEQ® ONET
