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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Water System Operator in Washington is $105,178 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.
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 | $111,744 | $9,312 | $2,149 | $54 |
| Average | $105,178 | $8,765 | $2,023 | $51 |
| 25th Percentile | $94,952 | $7,913 | $1,826 | $46 |
Symbotic - Centralia, WA
Cheney Government - Cheney, WA
House brothers const inc - Aberdeen, WA
Vestas - Olympia, WA
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 | $68,539 |
| Change Ma... Level Water System Operator | $79,500 |
| Water Sys... Level Water System Operator | $104,696 |
| Change Ma... Level Water System Operator | $128,513 |
| Change Ma... Level Water System Operator | $168,503 |
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 | $141,991 | $68.0 | 35% |
| Energy & Utilities | $136,732 | $66.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $131,473 | $63.0 | 25% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $120,955 | $58.0 | 15% |
| Construction | $115,696 | $56.0 | 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 | $111,744 | $9,312 | $2,149 | $54 |
| Average | $105,178 | $8,765 | $2,023 | $51 |
| 25th Percentile | $94,952 | $7,913 | $1,826 | $46 |
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.
Iberdrola
Vancouver, WA
Iberdrola | Vancouver, WA
Job Posting. The base salary for this position is dependent upon experience and location. Location: Vancouver, WA. Salary range: $45.42 to $56.78 hourly. J... more
9 Days Ago
Mt Baker Ski Area
Deming, WA
Mt Baker Ski Area | Deming, WA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. JOB DESCRIPTION. This job description is intended to convey information important to the scope of this posit... more
6 Days Ago
Kinross Gold Corporation
Republic, WA
Kinross Gold Corporation | Republic, WA
Water Treatment Plant Operator. Discover a rewarding career opportunity at Kinross in the stunning rural landscapes of Washington State. Recognized for our... more
8 Days Ago
BizTek People
, WA
BizTek People | , WA
Water Operator I & II. Company has an immediate need for Operator 1 and Operator 2. This position works under general supervision performing a variety of s... more
9 Days Ago
Jacobs Solutions
Bellevue, WA
Jacobs Solutions | Bellevue, WA
Drinking Water Operator II. At Jacobs, we challenge what is currently accepted, so we can shape innovative and lasting solutions for tomorrow. Through the ... more
8 Days Ago
Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
Nespelem, WA
Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation | Nespelem, WA
Waste Water Treatment Operator I *Possible Trainee. Salary Range $20.34 - $24.75 Hourly. CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled with Bi-weekly reviews. POSITION: ... more
8 Days Ago
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