How Much Does a Water System Operator make?

Water System Operator made a median salary around $112,290 in February, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $127,621 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $99,234. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $99,234 10% $87,347 90% $141,579 75% $127,621 $112,290 50%(Median)
Check out Water System Operator jobs in Detroit, Michigan

TO Water Operator III

Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe - Mount Pleasant, MI

CDL-A Owner Operator

Ozark Motor Lines - OWENSBORO, KY

CDL-A Owner Operator

Ozark Motor Lines - BOWLING GREEN, KY

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Best-Paying Cities for Water System Operator

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Water System Operator profession are Saline , Ypsilanti , Ann Arbor , Dexter , Salem .
Saline, MI $114,295
Ypsilanti, MI $114,295
Ann Arbor, MI $114,295
Dexter, MI $114,295
Salem, MI $114,184

Best-Paying States for Water System Operator

The states and districts that pay Water System Operator the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $123,987) , California (around $122,873) , New Jersey (around $122,093) , Alaska (around $121,313) , and Massachusetts (around $121,202) .
District of Columbia $123,987
California $122,873
New Jersey $122,093
Alaska $121,313
Massachusetts $121,202

What is the Career Path of Water System Operator?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Water System Operator, the first career path typically starts with a Change Management Analyst IV position , and then progresses to VP of Change Management.

Additionally, the second career path typically starts with an IT Change Management Analyst IV position , and then progresses to IT Change Management Manager.

Besides, Water System Operator can also turn to other related jobs, including Water Operator , System Operator , Water Treatment Operator and Water Plant Operator .

Frequently Asked Questions for Water System Operator

Q: What is the salary range of Water System Operator in Detroit, MI?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Water System Operator in Detroit, MI earned an average annual salary of $99,234 , while the highest-paid made $127,621.
Q: What is the salary for a Water System Operator in California?
A: Water System Operator employed in California earned an average salary of $122,873 in 2025.

Average Water System Operator Pay vs. Other Jobs

Water System Operator earned an average salary of $112,290 in 2025. Other jobs related to Water System Operator earned the following average salary in February, 2025. Water Operator made $39,931 , System Operator made $58,854 , Water Treatment Operator and Water Plant Operator made $52,371 and $67,258 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Water System Operator

Water Operator - Average Salary $39,931
There is currently no job description for Water Operator, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Water Operator.
System Operator - Average Salary $58,854
There is currently no job description for System Operator, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for System Operator.
Water Treatment Operator - Average Salary $52,371
There is currently no job description for Water Treatment Operator, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Water Treatment Operator.
Water Plant Operator - Average Salary $67,258
There is currently no job description for Water Plant Operator, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Water Plant Operator.
Waste Water Operator - Average Salary $58,279
There is currently no job description for Waste Water Operator, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Waste Water Operator.