Salary AI Book a Demo
upper level job

Wastewater Plant Operator I Salary in the United States

How much does a Wastewater Plant Operator I make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Wastewater Plant Operator I in the United States is $49,090 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $57,890
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $44,549 to $53,696
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $40,415
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Wastewater Plant Operator I Salaries

A Wastewater Plant Operator 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 Wastewater Plant Operator I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Wastewater Plant Operator 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:

  • Wastewater Plant Operator I (0-1 years): $49,090
  • Waste Water Treatment Technician II (1-3 years): $55,052
  • Waste Water Treatment Technician III (3-5 years): $62,060
  • Waste Water Treatment Superintendent (5+ years): $95,009
  • Waste Water Treatment Plant Manager (5+ years): $108,418
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Wastewater Plant Operator I0-1 years$49,090
Waste Water Treatment Technician II1-3 years$55,052
Waste Water Treatment Technician III3-5 years$62,060
Waste Water Treatment Superintendent5+ years$95,009
Waste Water Treatment Plant Manager5+ years$108,418
View as Graph

How Do Wastewater Plant Operator 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 Wastewater Plant Operator Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $54,352.
  • California: $54,146.
  • Massachusetts: $53,425.

Top Paying Cities for Wastewater Plant Operator 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: $61,917
  • San Francisco: $61,239
  • Oakland: $59,949

What Skills Can Increase a Wastewater Plant Operator 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 Wastewater Plant Operator 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

Wastewater Plant Operator I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Wastewater Plant Operator I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $54,701. While startup companies pay approximate $46,367.

Wastewater Plant Operator I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $46,367
Growth Stage 51~500 $49,011
Established 501~5000 $52,833
Enterprise 5000+ $54,701

Wastewater Plant Operator I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Wastewater Plant Operator 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, Wastewater Plant Operator positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Wastewater Plant Operator I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Wastewater Plant Operator 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 Wastewater Plant Operator I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Wastewater Plant Operator I enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Wastewater Plant Operator I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $42,578 and $47,096.

Wastewater Plant Operator I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Wastewater Plant Operator 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

Wastewater Plant Operator I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Wastewater Plant Operator 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 October 01, 2026
$44,549
Average $49,090/year
$53,696
$3,712
Average $4,091/month
$4,475
$857
Average $944/week
$1,033
$21
Average $24/hour
$26
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $53,696 $4,475 $1,033 $26
Average $49,090 $4,091 $944 $24
25th Percentile $44,549 $3,712 $857 $21

Wastewater Plant Operator I Salary Growth & Career Path

Wastewater Plant Operator I

Next Role

Advancement

For a Wastewater Plant Operator I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Wastewater Plant Operator II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $55,052 - a projected growth of 12% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Wastewater Plant Operator I

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

Common company salaries for Wastewater Plant Operator I

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

Find Your Next Wastewater Plant Operator I Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Wastewater Plant Operator 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 Wastewater Plant Operator I

1. Where can a Wastewater Plant Operator I earn the most?

A Wastewater Plant Operator I'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 Plant Operator I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Wastewater Plant Operator I is $61,917.

2. What is the highest pay for Wastewater Plant Operator I?

The highest pay for Wastewater Plant Operator I is $57,890.

3. What is the lowest pay for Wastewater Plant Operator I?

The lowest pay for Wastewater Plant Operator I is $40,415.

4. What are the responsibilities of Wastewater Plant Operator I?

Operates wastewater treatment equipment and processes to ensure wastewater is treated in accordance with regulatory standards. Operates pumps, valves, and treatment equipment to control wastewater treatment processes. Monitors gauges, meters, and control systems to maintain proper process conditions. Adjusts chemical dosages and process parameters to meet treatment requirements. Collects samples and performs routine tests to verify treatment effectiveness. Records operational data and reports abnormal conditions. Performs routine maintenance and cleaning of equipment and facilities. Requires a high school diploma. Requires Wastewater Operator Certification. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Wastewater Plant Operator I?

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Wastewater Plant Operator I 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.

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