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Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager Salary in the United States

How much does a Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager in the United States is $108,418 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.

However, a Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $127,626
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $95,438 to $118,472
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $83,620
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager Salaries

A Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $103,575
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $104,156
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $106,093
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $108,418
  • Expert (over 8 years): $110,969
Levels Salary
Entry Level Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager$103,575
Intermediate Level Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager$104,156
Senior Level Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager$106,093
Specialist Level Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager$108,418
Expert Level Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager$110,969
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How Do Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager 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 Wastewater Treatment Plant Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $120,040.
  • California: $119,585.
  • Massachusetts: $117,991.

Top Paying Cities for Wastewater Treatment Plant Managers

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: $136,748
  • San Francisco: $135,250
  • Oakland: $132,400

Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $120,811. While startup companies pay approximate $102,405.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $102,405
Growth Stage 51~500 $108,244
Established 501~5000 $116,684
Enterprise 5000+ $120,811

Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$140,943$68.030%
Energy & Utilities$135,522$65.025%
Aerospace & Defense$130,102$63.020%
MFG Durable$124,681$60.015%
Construction$119,260$57.010%

Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager'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 October 01, 2026
$95,438
Average $108,418/year
$118,472
$7,953
Average $9,035/month
$9,873
$1,835
Average $2,085/week
$2,278
$46
Average $52/hour
$57
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $118,472 $9,873 $2,278 $57
Average $108,418 $9,035 $2,085 $52
25th Percentile $95,438 $7,953 $1,835 $46

Most common benefits for Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager

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

Common company salaries for Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager

Here are companies hiring for Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager

1. Where can a Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager earn the most?

A Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager is $136,748.

2. What is the highest pay for Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager?

The highest pay for Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager is $127,626.

3. What is the lowest pay for Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager?

The lowest pay for Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager is $83,620.

4. What are the responsibilities of Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager?

Manages wastewater treatment plant operations to ensure effective treatment processes and compliance with regulatory standards. Directs the daily operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment processes and facilities. Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal wastewater discharge regulations and permits. Manages plant budgets, staffing, equipment, and capital improvement projects. Oversees monitoring, sampling, and reporting of effluent quality and process performance. Develops operational procedures and safety programs for plant personnel. Coordinates with regulatory agencies and manages permit and compliance documentation. Requires a bachelor's degree. May Require Wastewater Operator Certification. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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