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Wastewater Plant Operator II Salary in the United States

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

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Wastewater Plant Operator II in the United States is $55,052 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $69,050
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $48,946 to $62,379
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $43,387

Key Factors That Influence Wastewater Plant Operator II Salaries

A Wastewater Plant Operator II'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 II Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Wastewater Plant Operator II'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 Treatment Technician I (0-1 years): $49,090
  • Wastewater Plant Operator 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
Waste Water Treatment Technician I0-1 years$49,090
Wastewater Plant Operator 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

Top Paying Cities for Wastewater Plant Operator IIs

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: $69,437
  • San Francisco: $68,677
  • Oakland: $67,230

What Skills Can Increase a Wastewater Plant Operator II's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 10.3% 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.
  • Plumbing (Mentioned in 3.58% Job Postings): Plumbing is any system that conveys fluids for a wide range of applications. Plumbing uses pipes, valves, plumbing fixtures, tanks, and other apparatuses to convey fluids. Heating and cooling (HVAC), waste removal, and potable water delivery are among the most common uses for plumbing, but it is not limited to these applications. The word derives from the Latin for lead, plumbum, as the first effective pipes used in the Roman era were lead pipes. In the developed world, plumbing infrastructure is critical to public health and sanitation. Boilermakers and pipefitters are not plumbers although they work with piping as part of their trade and their work can include some plumbing.
  • Material Handling (Mentioned in 2.38% Job Postings): Material handling involves short-distance movement within the confines of a building or between a building and a transportation vehicle. It uses a wide range of manual, semi-automated, and automated equipment and includes consideration of the protection, storage, and control of materials throughout their manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, consumption, and disposal. Material handling can be used to create time and place utility through the handling, storage, and control of material, as distinct from manufacturing, which creates form utility by changing the shape, form, and makeup of material.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 10.3%
Plumbing 3.58%
Material Handling 2.38%

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 II's salary.

  • Project Management: Can increase your salary by up to 22%.
  • Consulting: Can increase your salary by up to 21%.
  • Leadership: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Project Management $67,163
22%
Consulting $66,613
21%
Leadership $60,007
9%

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

Wastewater Plant Operator II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $61,345. While startup companies pay approximate $51,999.

Wastewater Plant Operator II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $51,999
Growth Stage 51~500 $54,964
Established 501~5000 $59,249
Enterprise 5000+ $61,345

Wastewater Plant Operator II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Wastewater Plant Operator II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the MFG Nondurable and Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Wastewater Plant Operator positions in Retail & Wholesale or Aerospace & Defense typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Wastewater Plant Operator II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Wastewater Plant Operator II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
MFG Nondurable$68,815$33.025%
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$66,062$32.020%
MFG Durable$63,310$30.015%
Biotechnology$60,557$29.010%
Energy & Utilities$57,805$28.05%

How Education impacts a Wastewater Plant Operator II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Wastewater Plant Operator II 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 II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $54,478 and $59,506.

Wastewater Plant Operator II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Wastewater Plant Operator II
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 66.7%
High School 66.7%
Associates 33.3%
Bachelors 0.0%
Masters 0.0%
Doctorate 0.0%

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

Understanding how a Wastewater Plant Operator II'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
$48,946
Average $55,052/year
$62,379
$4,079
Average $4,588/month
$5,198
$941
Average $1,059/week
$1,200
$24
Average $26/hour
$30
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $62,379 $5,198 $1,200 $30
Average $55,052 $4,588 $1,059 $26
25th Percentile $48,946 $4,079 $941 $24

Wastewater Plant Operator II Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Wastewater Plant Operator II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Wastewater Plant Operator III role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $62,060 - a projected growth of 13% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Wastewater Plant Operator II

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

Common company salaries for Wastewater Plant Operator II

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

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FAQ about Wastewater Plant Operator II

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

A Wastewater Plant Operator II'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 II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Wastewater Plant Operator II is $69,437.

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

The highest pay for Wastewater Plant Operator II is $69,050.

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

The lowest pay for Wastewater Plant Operator II is $43,387.

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

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 moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.

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

The MFG Nondurable industry offers the highest average compensation for Wastewater Plant Operator II roles, with salaries approximately 25% 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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