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Wastewater Plant Operator III Salary in the United States

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

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Wastewater Plant Operator III in the United States is $62,060 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $77,464
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $55,396 to $70,123
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $49,329
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Wastewater Plant Operator III Salaries

A Wastewater Plant Operator III'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 III Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Wastewater Plant Operator III'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
  • Waste Water Treatment Technician II (1-3 years): $55,052
  • Wastewater Plant Operator 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
Waste Water Treatment Technician II1-3 years$55,052
Wastewater Plant Operator 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 III 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $68,713.
  • California: $68,452.
  • Massachusetts: $67,540.

Top Paying Cities for Wastewater Plant Operator IIIs

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: $78,276
  • San Francisco: $77,419
  • Oakland: $75,788

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 4.49% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Microsoft Office (Mentioned in 2.25% Job Postings): Microsoft Office is a suite of desktop productivity applications that is designed by Microsoft for business use. You can create documents containing text and images, work with data in spreadsheets and databases, create presentations and posters.
  • 5S (Mentioned in 1.12% Job Postings): Stands for sort, sustain, set in order, standardized and shine. 5 tips that are designed to achieve clean, uncluttered, safe, and well organized workplace for a more systematized work flow.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 4.49%
Microsoft Office 2.25%
5S 1.12%
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 III's salary.

  • Continuous Learning: Can increase your salary by up to 33%.
  • Environmental Engineering: Can increase your salary by up to 33%.
  • Process Improvement: Can increase your salary by up to 24%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Continuous Learning $82,540
33%
Environmental Engineering $82,540
33%
Process Improvement $76,954
24%
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Wastewater Plant Operator III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Wastewater Plant Operator III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $69,154. While startup companies pay approximate $58,618.

Wastewater Plant Operator III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $58,618
Growth Stage 51~500 $61,961
Established 501~5000 $66,792
Enterprise 5000+ $69,154

Wastewater Plant Operator III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Wastewater Plant Operator III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% 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 III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Wastewater Plant Operator III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$77,575$37.025%
Energy & Utilities$74,472$36.020%
MFG Durable$71,369$34.015%
Aerospace & Defense$68,266$33.010%
Construction$65,163$31.05%

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

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Wastewater Plant Operator III 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 III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $59,021 and $63,996.

Wastewater Plant Operator III Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Wastewater Plant Operator III
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 44.0%
High School 44.0%
Associates 16.0%
Bachelors 40.0%
Masters 0.0%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Wastewater Plant Operator III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Wastewater Plant Operator III'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
$55,396
Average $62,060/year
$70,123
$4,616
Average $5,172/month
$5,844
$1,065
Average $1,193/week
$1,349
$27
Average $30/hour
$34
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $70,123 $5,844 $1,349 $34
Average $62,060 $5,172 $1,193 $30
25th Percentile $55,396 $4,616 $1,065 $27

Wastewater Plant Operator III Salary Growth & Career Path

Wastewater Plant Operator III

Next Role

Advancement

For a Wastewater Plant Operator III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $95,009 - a projected growth of 53% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Wastewater Plant Operator III

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

Common company salaries for Wastewater Plant Operator III

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

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FAQ about Wastewater Plant Operator III

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

A Wastewater Plant Operator III'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 III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Wastewater Plant Operator III is $78,276.

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

The highest pay for Wastewater Plant Operator III is $77,464.

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

The lowest pay for Wastewater Plant Operator III is $49,329.

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

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 independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.

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

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Wastewater Plant Operator III 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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