Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
SOC: 51-8031 O*NET: 51-8031.00
Median Salary
$58,260
per year
Job Growth
📉 -6.5%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
10.7
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
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 does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$37,870
10th percentile
Early Career
$47,020
25th percentile
Median
$58,260
50th percentile
Experienced
$71,280
75th percentile
Top Earners
$86,160
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$37,870
25th
$47,020
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$58,260
Mean: $60,620
75th
$71,280
90th
$86,160
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $48,290 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $47,020 and $71,280
- •Salary spread is 41.6% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 126,750 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:132,400
Top Industries
Utilities12.8%
Utilities12.8%
Water, Sewage and Other Systems12.2%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-6.5%
Annual Openings:10,700
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)132,400
Current
2034 (Projected)123,800
-6.5%
-8,700
Employment Change
-6.5%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Decline
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
11,260 jobs$82,1000.76x
Texas
10,340 jobs$48,1100.91x
Florida
7,560 jobs$58,6300.94x
Ohio
5,550 jobs$58,7201.22x
New York
5,270 jobs$63,1400.67x
Pennsylvania
5,190 jobs$59,1701.05x
Illinois
3,870 jobs$63,7900.78x
Arizona
3,470 jobs$61,4801.32x
North Carolina
3,420 jobs$49,7100.85x
Virginia
3,390 jobs$58,9201.02x
Indiana
3,300 jobs$55,1701.26x
Kentucky
3,150 jobs$47,7001.92x
Tennessee
3,090 jobs$50,7601.15x
Alabama
2,950 jobs$48,7301.71x
Georgia
2,880 jobs$49,3700.72x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operation and Control
100%
#2
Operations Monitoring
94%
#3
Monitoring
86%
#4
Active Listening
80%
#5
Quality Control Analysis
74%
#6
Repairing
66%
#7
Speaking
60%
#8
Troubleshooting
54%
#9
Equipment Maintenance
46%
#10
Reading Comprehension
40%
Skills Overview
Operation and Control
advanced5.0
100%
Operations Monitoring
advanced4.7
94%
Monitoring
intermediate4.3
86%
Active Listening
intermediate4.0
80%
Quality Control Analysis
intermediate3.7
74%
Repairing
intermediate3.3
66%
Speaking
intermediate3.0
60%
Troubleshooting
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Operation and Control
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Operations Monitoring
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Repairing
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Troubleshooting
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Equipment Maintenance
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders82%
5 shared skills
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators82%
5 shared skills
Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders82%
5 shared skills
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders73%
5 shared skills
Rail Car Repairers73%
5 shared skills
Agricultural Equipment Operators70%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Troubleshooting
- →Speaking
- →Repairing
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Operation and Control
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Operation and Control
- ★Quality Control Analysis
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
8
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (3)Operations & Execution (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (3)Planning & Development (1)
1
Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Operate and adjust controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose of sewage, and generate power.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution97% perform98%
3
Inspect equipment or monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Collect and test water and sewage samples, using test equipment and color analysis standards.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Record operational data, personnel attendance, or meter and gauge readings on specified forms.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping88% perform92%
6
Maintain, repair, and lubricate equipment, using hand tools and power tools.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping85% perform90%
7
Direct and coordinate plant workers engaged in routine operations and maintenance activities.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development82% perform88%
8
Clean and maintain tanks, filter beds, and other work areas, using hand tools and power tools.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping79% perform86%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •88% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.62
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.38
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.25
Independence
Very ImportantIndependence
Importance Level4.00
Cooperation
ImportantCooperation
Importance Level3.92
Adaptability/Flexibility
ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level3.88
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.6
Integrity
4.4
Attention to Detail
4.3
Independence
4.0
Cooperation
3.9
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.9
Initiative
3.8
Self-Control
3.8
Analytical Thinking
3.8
Concern for Others
3.8
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
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