Salary AI Book a Demo
upper level job

Hourly Wage for Waste Water Sampling Technician I Salary in the United States

What is the highest and lowest hourly pay for Waste Water Sampling Technician I?

As of September 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Waste Water Sampling Technician I in the United States is $24, which translates to an annual salary of about $49,090.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $28 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $21 to $26 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $19 per hour
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Waste Water Sampling Technician I Salaries

A Waste Water Sampling Technician I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Waste Water Sampling Technician Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Waste Water Sampling Technician I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Waste Water Sampling Technician I (0-1 years): $49,086
  • Intermediate Waste Water Treatment Technician (1-3 years): $55,045
  • Senior Waste Water Treatment Technician (3-5 years): $62,050
  • Wastewater Operations Plant Supervisor (5+ years): $95,008
  • Wastewater Operations Plant Manager (5+ years): $108,411
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Waste Water Sampling Technician I0-1 years$49,086
Intermediate Waste Water Treatment Technician1-3 years$55,045
Senior Waste Water Treatment Technician3-5 years$62,050
Wastewater Operations Plant Supervisor5+ years$95,008
Wastewater Operations Plant Manager5+ years$108,411
View as Graph

How Do Waste Water Sampling Technician I Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Waste Water Sampling Technician Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $54,390.
  • California: $54,190.
  • Massachusetts: $53,490.

Top Paying Cities for Waste Water Sampling Technician Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $61,990
  • San Francisco: $61,290
  • Oakland: $59,990

What Skills Can Increase a Waste Water Sampling Technician I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 6.86% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Environmental Science (Mentioned in 1.88% Job Postings): Environmental science refers to a grouping of scientific disciplines that are all concerned with the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the surroundings in which organisms live.
  • Preventive Maintenance (Mentioned in 1.64% Job Postings): Preventive maintenance is the act of performing regularly scheduled maintenance activities to help prevent unexpected failures in the future. Put simply, it's about fixing things before they break.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 6.86%
Environmental Science 1.88%
Preventive Maintenance 1.64%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Waste Water Sampling Technician I's salary.

  • Budgeting: Can increase your salary by up to 60%.
  • AutoCAD: Can increase your salary by up to 42%.
  • Project Management: Can increase your salary by up to 40%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Budgeting $78,544
60%
AutoCAD $69,708
42%
Project Management $68,726
40%
Get Latest Data

Waste Water Sampling Technician I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Waste Water Sampling Technician I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $54,189. While startup companies pay approximate $45,897.

Waste Water Sampling Technician I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $45,897
Growth Stage 51~500 $48,521
Established 501~5000 $52,344
Enterprise 5000+ $54,189

Waste Water Sampling Technician I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Waste Water Sampling Technician I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 57% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Waste Water Sampling Technician positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Waste Water Sampling Technician I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Waste Water Sampling Technician I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$63,817$31.030%
Aerospace & Defense$61,362$30.025%
Biotechnology$56,453$27.015%
MFG Durable$53,999$26.010%
Construction$51,544$25.05%

How Education impacts a Waste Water Sampling Technician I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Waste Water Sampling Technician Is enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Waste Water Sampling Technician I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $40,186 and $44,726).

Waste Water Sampling Technician I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Waste Water Sampling Technician I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 3.8%
High School 61.5%
Associates 7.7%
Bachelors 23.1%
Masters 3.8%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

Waste Water Sampling Technician I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Waste Water Sampling Technician I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$44,590
Average $49,090/year
$53,690
$3,716
Average $4,091/month
$4,474
$858
Average $944/week
$1,033
$21
Average $24/hour
$26
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $53,690 $4,474 $1,033 $26
Average $49,090 $4,091 $944 $24
25th Percentile $44,590 $3,716 $858 $21

Most common benefits for Waste Water Sampling Technician I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Waste Water Sampling Technician I

Here are companies hiring for Waste Water Sampling Technician I and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Waste Water Sampling Technician I Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Waste Water Sampling Technician I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about Waste Water Sampling Technician I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Waste Water Sampling Technician I?

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Waste Water Sampling Technician I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. What are the three types of water sampling?

Grab sampling, composite sampling, and continuous monitoring are commonly used techniques for detecting and quantifying VOCs in water, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. As a Waste Water Sampling Technician, you can expect a salary ranging from $38,590 to $56,190, with a median salary of $46,390.

3. What is a sampling technician?

A sampling technician is responsible for analyzing soil, water, or air to assess contamination levels and ensure compliance with safety standards. This role is crucial for protecting the local ecosystem. The salary for a Waste Water Sampling Technician ranges from $38,590 to $56,190, with a mid-range salary of $46,390.

4. What is the highest paid technician?

The highest paid technician role is the Waste Water Sampling Technician, with a maximum salary of $56,190. This position typically offers a minimum salary of $38,590 and a mid-range salary of $46,390, making it a competitive option within the technical job market.

5. What water jobs pay the most?

High Paying Water Jobs include positions like Boiler House Operator and Boiler Inspector. For a Waste Water Sampling Technician, the salary ranges from $38,590 to $56,190, with a mid-salary of $46,390. Other roles such as Pump Installer and Dredge Operator also offer competitive salaries within this range, making them attractive options in the water sector.

6. Can you make money in the water business?

Yes, you can make money in the water business. For example, a Waste Water Sampling Technician earns between $38,590 and $56,190 annually, with a median salary of $46,390. By conducting thorough research, selecting appropriate water treatment equipment, and understanding market dynamics, you can establish a successful and profitable venture in this field.

7. What trade pays the most money?

While many trades offer competitive salaries, the Waste Water Sampling Technician has a salary range that includes a minimum of $38,590, a mid-level salary of $46,390, and a maximum of $56,190. This positions it among various skilled trades, though it may not be the highest paying compared to others like Respiratory Therapists or Ultrasonographers.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst