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Water System Operator Salary in the United States

How much does a Water System Operator make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Water System Operator in the United States is $96,990 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.

However, a Water System Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $108,583
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $87,573 to $103,058
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $78,999
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Water System Operator Salaries

A Water System 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.

How Experience Level Affects Water System Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Water System 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $63,203
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $73,304
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $96,544
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $118,508
  • Expert (over 8 years): $155,388
Levels Salary
Change Ma... Level Water System Operator$63,203
Change Ma... Level Water System Operator$73,304
Water Sys... Level Water System Operator$96,544
Change Ma... Level Water System Operator$118,508
Change Ma... Level Water System Operator$155,388
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How Do Water System Operator 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 Water System Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $107,387.
  • California: $106,980.
  • Massachusetts: $105,554.

Top Paying Cities for Water System Operators

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: $122,333
  • San Francisco: $120,994
  • Oakland: $118,444

Water System Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Water System Operator 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 MFG Durable and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Water System Operator positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Insurance typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Water System Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Water System Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
MFG Durable$130,936$63.035%
Energy & Utilities$126,087$61.030%
Biotechnology$121,237$58.025%
Pharmaceuticals$111,538$54.015%
Construction$106,689$51.010%

Water System Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Water System 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.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$87,573
Average $96,990/year
$103,058
$7,298
Average $8,082/month
$8,588
$1,684
Average $1,865/week
$1,982
$42
Average $47/hour
$50
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $103,058 $8,588 $1,982 $50
Average $96,990 $8,082 $1,865 $47
25th Percentile $87,573 $7,298 $1,684 $42

Most common benefits for Water System Operator

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

Common company salaries for Water System Operator

Here are companies hiring for Water System Operator and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Water System Operator

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Water System Operator?

The MFG Durable industry offers the highest average compensation for Water System Operator roles, with salaries approximately 35% 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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