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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Wastewater Treatment Operator in New Mexico is $50,346 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
However, a Wastewater Treatment Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Wastewater Treatment Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $56,654 | $4,721 | $1,089 | $27 |
| Average | $50,346 | $4,196 | $968 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,191 | $3,683 | $850 | $21 |
Project Solutions Inc. - Clovis, NM
Government Jobs - Ruidoso, NM
Project Solutions Inc. - Albuquerque, NM
Valliant Consulting Group - Nambe, NM
A Wastewater Treatment Operator'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 Operator'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 |
|---|---|
| Waste Wat... Level Wastewater Treatment Operator | $46,041 |
| Wastewate... Level Wastewater Treatment Operator | $51,629 |
| Waste Wat... Level Wastewater Treatment Operator | $58,197 |
| Waste Wat... Level Wastewater Treatment Operator | $89,122 |
| Waste Wat... Level Wastewater Treatment Operator | $101,690 |
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 Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Wastewater Treatment Operator 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 Treatment Operator positions in Retail & Wholesale or Aerospace & Defense typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Wastewater Treatment Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Nondurable | $62,933 | $30.0 | 25% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $60,416 | $29.0 | 20% |
| MFG Durable | $57,898 | $28.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $55,381 | $27.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $52,864 | $25.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Wastewater Treatment Operator'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $56,654 | $4,721 | $1,089 | $27 |
| Average | $50,346 | $4,196 | $968 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,191 | $3,683 | $850 | $21 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Wastewater Treatment Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Government Jobs
Las Cruces, NM
Government Jobs | Las Cruces, NM
Government Jobs - Full-Time - $19.06 - $30.47 Annually This posting will close at 5:00PM on the close date. Under the general supervision of the Utilities ... more
3 Days Ago
Government Jobs
Ruidoso, NM
Government Jobs | Ruidoso, NM
Government Jobs - Full Time - $41,932.80 - $48,214.40 Annually Under general supervision, the Heavy Equipment Operator operates various heavy and light mot... more
3 Days Ago
Wrench Group
TUCSON, AZ
Wrench Group | TUCSON, AZ
Overview Parker and Sons is currently seeking Water Treatment Sales Consultant to join our team comprised of creative and energetic employees, who are dedi... more
2 Days Ago
HEALTH CONNECT AMERICA, INC
MOUNTAIN VIEW, NC
HEALTH CONNECT AMERICA, INC | MOUNTAIN VIEW, NC
Health Connect America is seeking a Family Centered Treatment Specialist to provide intensive in‑home and community‑based behavioral health services to chi... more
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HEALTH CONNECT AMERICA, INC
LILEDOWN, NC
HEALTH CONNECT AMERICA, INC | LILEDOWN, NC
Health Connect America is seeking a Family Centered Treatment Specialist to provide intensive in‑home and community‑based behavioral health services to chi... more
2 Days Ago
HEALTH CONNECT AMERICA, INC
BIGGS PARK, NC
HEALTH CONNECT AMERICA, INC | BIGGS PARK, NC
Health Connect America is seeking a Family Centered Treatment Specialist to provide intensive in‑home and community‑based behavioral health services to chi... more
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