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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Wastewater Operator in Maryland is $55,594 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, a Wastewater Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Wastewater Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $63,029 | $5,252 | $1,212 | $30 |
| Average | $55,594 | $4,633 | $1,069 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,487 | $4,124 | $952 | $24 |
Perdue Farms - Salisbury, MD
BTS Bioenergy - Jessup, MD
City of McMinnville - Baltimore, MD
USA Government Jobs - Frederick, MD
A Wastewater 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 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 Operator | $49,089 |
| Wastewate... Level Wastewater Operator | $55,047 |
| Waste Wat... Level Wastewater Operator | $62,050 |
| Waste Wat... Level Wastewater Operator | $95,023 |
| Waste Wat... Level Wastewater Operator | $108,423 |
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 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 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 Operator positions in Retail & Wholesale or Aerospace & Defense typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Wastewater Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Nondurable | $69,492 | $33.0 | 25% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $66,713 | $32.0 | 20% |
| MFG Durable | $63,933 | $31.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $61,153 | $29.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $58,374 | $28.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Wastewater 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 | $63,029 | $5,252 | $1,212 | $30 |
| Average | $55,594 | $4,633 | $1,069 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,487 | $4,124 | $952 | $24 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Wastewater Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Town Of Federalsburg
Federalsburg, MD
Town Of Federalsburg | Federalsburg, MD
Job Overview Join our team as a Water/Wastewater Operator and become a vital part of ensuring clean, safe, and reliable water and wastewater services.In th... more
9 Days Ago
Bil-Jac Foods, Inc.
Brunswick, MD
Bil-Jac Foods, Inc. | Brunswick, MD
Job Description. Job Description. We are seeking 2 skilled and dedicated Industrial 4 licensed Wastewater Operators to join our team. One dayshift operator... more
9 Days Ago
Government Jobs
Frederick, MD
Government Jobs | Frederick, MD
Government Jobs - Full-Time - Depends on Qualifications This skilled, technical position is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Wastewater Trea... more
7 Days Ago
Government Jobs
Ocean City, MD
Government Jobs | Ocean City, MD
Wastewater Plant Operator. The Town of Ocean City is looking for a Wastewater Plant Operator. This employee serves as an operator on an assigned shift in t... more
9 Days Ago
Government Jobs
Frederick, MD
Government Jobs | Frederick, MD
Government Jobs - Full-time Regular - $19.23 Hourly Non-exempt. full-time. 40 hours per week. varied hours and shifts. full-benefits This skilled technical... more
7 Days Ago
Dexterra
Beltsville, MD
Dexterra | Beltsville, MD
Water and Wastewater Treatment Systems Operator. The Water and Wastewater Treatment Systems Operator will perform relevant and related services at the CMI ... more
9 Days Ago
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