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Wastewater Plant Technician Salary in the United States

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

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Wastewater Plant Technician in the United States is $61,572 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $81,003
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $54,385 to $71,743
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $47,842
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Wastewater Plant Technician Salaries

A Wastewater Plant Technician's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Wastewater Plant Technician 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 Technicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $68,172.
  • California: $67,914.
  • Massachusetts: $67,009.

Top Paying Cities for Wastewater Plant Technicians

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: $77,661
  • San Francisco: $76,810
  • Oakland: $75,192

Wastewater Plant Technician Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Wastewater Plant Technician salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $68,610. While startup companies pay approximate $58,157.

Wastewater Plant Technician Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $58,157
Growth Stage 51~500 $61,473
Established 501~5000 $66,266
Enterprise 5000+ $68,610

Wastewater Plant Technician Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Wastewater Plant Technician'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
$54,385
Average $61,572/year
$71,743
$4,532
Average $5,131/month
$5,979
$1,046
Average $1,184/week
$1,380
$26
Average $30/hour
$34
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $71,743 $5,979 $1,380 $34
Average $61,572 $5,131 $1,184 $30
25th Percentile $54,385 $4,532 $1,046 $26

Wastewater Plant Technician Salary Growth & Career Path

Wastewater Plant Technician

Next Role

For a Wastewater Plant Technician, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Water Purification Operator role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $77,133 - a projected growth of 25% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Wastewater Plant Technician

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

Common company salaries for Wastewater Plant Technician

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

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FAQ about Wastewater Plant Technician

1. Where can a Wastewater Plant Technician earn the most?

A Wastewater Plant Technician'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 Technician earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Wastewater Plant Technician is $77,661.

2. What is the highest pay for Wastewater Plant Technician?

The highest pay for Wastewater Plant Technician is $81,003.

3. What is the lowest pay for Wastewater Plant Technician?

The lowest pay for Wastewater Plant Technician is $47,842.

4. What are the responsibilities of Wastewater Plant Technician?

Monitors wastewater treatment operations and equipment to support process control. Collects wastewater samples from designated points throughout the treatment process to ensure proper function. Visually monitors treatment equipment, tanks, and processes for abnormal conditions. Performs routine field measurements and basic screening tests. Records observations, readings, and sample data in operational logs. Reports equipment malfunctions and process irregularities to operators or supervisors. Assists with routine maintenance and cleaning of equipment. Requires a high school diploma. May Require 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.

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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