As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Wastewater Treatment Engineer in the United States is $91,011 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $44.
However, a Wastewater Treatment Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Wastewater Treatment Engineer'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Wastewater Treatment Engineer'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Workforce... Level Wastewater Treatment Engineer | $76,422 |
| Wastewate... Level Wastewater Treatment Engineer | $93,141 |
| Workforce... Level Wastewater Treatment Engineer | $107,735 |
| Workforce... Level Wastewater Treatment Engineer | $111,319 |
| Workforce... Level Wastewater Treatment Engineer | $174,512 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduling | 16.98% |
| Logistics | 1.92% |
| Administrative Support | 1.15% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Acute Care
|
$95,562 |
5%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$94,652 |
4%
|
|
Sense Of Urgency
|
$93,742 |
3%
|
|
Innovation
|
$93,742 |
3%
|
|
Leadership
|
$93,742 |
3%
|
|
Upselling
|
$92,832 |
2%
|
For Wastewater Treatment Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 75% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Wastewater Treatment Engineer positions in Financial Services or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Wastewater Treatment Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $122,865 | $59.0 | 35% |
| Biotechnology | $118,315 | $57.0 | 30% |
| Insurance | $113,764 | $55.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $109,214 | $53.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $109,214 | $53.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Wastewater Treatment Engineer'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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Wastewater Treatment Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $97,617 in 2023 to around $97,124 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Wastewater Treatment Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $97,617 |
| 2024 | $97,840 |
| 2025 | $97,124 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Wastewater Treatment Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.
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