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.
Overview
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$34,956
25th
$46,608
50th (Median)
$58,260
75th
$69,912
90th
$87,390
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- ✓Health Insurance
- ✓Dental Insurance
- ✓Vision Insurance
- ✓Mental Health Support
- ✓Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- ✓401(k) Retirement Plan
- ✓Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
- ✓Profit Sharing
- ✓Stock Options
- ✓Performance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- ✓Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
- ✓Paid Sick Leave
- ✓Flexible Work Arrangements
- ✓Remote Work Options
- ✓Parental Leave
Professional Development
- ✓Tuition Reimbursement
- ✓Professional Certifications
- ✓Conference Attendance
- ✓Training Programs
- ✓Mentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
Job Market Intelligence
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:132,400
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
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
Top Skills
✓
Operation and Control
Operation and Control
✓
Operations Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
✓
Monitoring
Monitoring
✓
Active Listening
Active Listening
✓
Quality Control Analysis
Quality Control Analysis
✓
Repairing
Repairing
✓
Speaking
Speaking
✓
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
✓
Equipment Maintenance
Equipment Maintenance
✓
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
Key Knowledge Areas
✓
Public Safety and Security
✓
Mechanical
✓
English Language
✓
Chemistry
✓
Mathematics
✓
Education and Training
✓
Administration and Management
✓
Customer and Personal Service
✓
Law and Government
✓
Computers and Electronics
Education & Training
Education Required
High school diploma or equivalent
Experience Required
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Job Training
Training of a few months to a year