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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Water System Operator in New Mexico is $89,843 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.
However, a Water System Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Water System Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $95,450 | $7,954 | $1,836 | $46 |
| Average | $89,843 | $7,487 | $1,728 | $43 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,108 | $6,759 | $1,560 | $39 |
HKAA - Santa Fe, NM
City of Farmington - Farmington, NM
TXNM Energy - Albuquerque, NM
City of Las Cruces - Las Cruces, NM
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.
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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Change Ma... Level Water System Operator | $58,546 |
| Change Ma... Level Water System Operator | $67,908 |
| Water Sys... Level Water System Operator | $89,430 |
| Change Ma... Level Water System Operator | $109,774 |
| Change Ma... Level Water System Operator | $143,934 |
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 Water System 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 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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Durable | $121,287 | $58.0 | 35% |
| Energy & Utilities | $116,795 | $56.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $112,303 | $54.0 | 25% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $103,319 | $50.0 | 15% |
| Construction | $98,827 | $48.0 | 10% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $95,450 | $7,954 | $1,836 | $46 |
| Average | $89,843 | $7,487 | $1,728 | $43 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,108 | $6,759 | $1,560 | $39 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Water System Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
HKAA
Santa Fe, NM
HKAA | Santa Fe, NM
Water Operator III. We are seeking a skilled Water Operator III to support the operation, maintenance, and optimization of water treatment and distribution... more
4 Days Ago
HKAA
Santa Fe, NM
HKAA | Santa Fe, NM
Water / Wastewater Plant Operator. Pay: $19.00- $22.00 per hour DOE. Plant Operations Process Control NM Level 1 Certification Preferred On-call shifts req... more
4 Days Ago
Exxon Mobil
Carlsbad, NM
Exxon Mobil | Carlsbad, NM
Water Transfer Operator. Individual to work with water transfer team (PWM) supporting completions and drilling activities in Carlsbad. What you will do. Re... more
5 Days Ago
Valliant Consulting Group
Nambe, NM
Valliant Consulting Group | Nambe, NM
Job Description. Job Description. Position Summary. Under the supervision of the Tribal Administrator responsible for the operation, maintenance, and imple... more
5 Days Ago
Danos
Carlsbad, NM
Danos | Carlsbad, NM
SWD Operator. The SWD Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of saltwater disposal (SWD) facilities used in oil and gas production. T... more
7 Days Ago
Government Jobs
Ruidoso, NM
Government Jobs | Ruidoso, NM
Government Jobs - Full Time - $49,795.20 - $59,758.40 Annually Classification Summar y Under general supervision, performs advanced water treatment process... more
8 Days Ago
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