How Much Does a Certified Water Operator Make?

Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Certified Water Operator in the United States is $47,742. While Salary.com is seeing that Certified Water Operator salary in the US can go up to $58,223 or down to $42,349, but most earn between $44,919 and $53,228. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Related Job Titles to Certified Water Operator
Water Operator
$39,896
US
Per Year
Water Treatment Operator
$47,337
US
Per Year
Water Plant Operator
$60,793
US
Per Year
Waste Water Operator
$58,020
US
Per Year
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Similar Job Salaries to Certified Water Operator by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
Old North State Water Co, Inc
C-Well Operator (Certified Water Operator)
$56,172/yr
$50,088
$62,256
RANGE: $50,088 - $62,256
Veolia Environnement SA
Certified Water/Wastewater Treatment Operator I
$93,654/yr
$83,649
$103,658
RANGE: $83,649 - $103,658
Veolia Environnement SA
(Part-time) Certified Water Plant Operator
$59,910/yr
$53,344
$66,475
RANGE: $53,344 - $66,475
Veolia
(Part-time) Certified Water Plant Operator
$59,910/yr
$53,344
$66,475
RANGE: $53,344 - $66,475
Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority
Water & Waste Water Operator
$63,141/yr
$55,606
$70,676
RANGE: $55,606 - $70,676
City of Fort Collins
Water Operator (Water Treatment)
$64,151/yr
$56,495
$71,806
RANGE: $56,495 - $71,806
City of summit
Water Operator
$55,679/yr
$49,010
$62,349
RANGE: $49,010 - $62,349
City of Belgrade Montana
Water Operator
$42,614/yr
$38,090
$47,137
RANGE: $38,090 - $47,137
Hearthstone Water Inc.
WATER OPERATOR
$51,600/yr
$45,797
$57,402
RANGE: $45,797 - $57,402
City of Deltona
Water Operator
$58,055/yr
$51,101
$65,009
RANGE: $51,101 - $65,009

Open Certified Water Operator Jobs in the United States

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What Does a Certified Water Operator Do?

The Capacity Development, Operator Certification, and Permits Section safeguards public health by requiring new and current public water systems to demonstrate whether or not they have the technical, financial, and managerial capacity to sufficiently operate the plant.
Updated December 21, 2021
The Water and Wastewater Systems Operators Certification Act (Act) created the State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems Operators (Board).
Updated December 20, 2021
The Water Operator exam certifies those who can demonstrate competency to protect the public health through proficient operation of waterworks facilities.
Updated December 20, 2021
This program requires all Community and NonTransient Noncommunity systems to be managed by a certified water operator holding appropriate certification(s).
Updated December 20, 2021
To support continuing education within the water industry. AWWA’s Water Equation matches funds raised at the section level to provide books, tuition, training, education and certification to operators at water and wastewater treatment plants.
Updated December 20, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Certified Water Operator Salaries

What is the average of a Certified Water Operator in the United States?

The Certified Water Operator salary range is from $44,919 to $53,228, and the average Certified Water Operator salary is $47,742/year in the United States. The Certified Water Operator's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Certified Water Operator salary in the United States?

The Certified Water Operator salary in San Jose, CA is $60,217 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Certified Water Operator's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Certified Water Operator.

What is the growth rate of the Certified Water Operator's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Certified Water Operator or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Certified Water Operator.

Recent Salary Report

Below are the most recent Certified Water Operator salary reports. Employer name has been removed to protect anonymity.

$27 Hourly
A Certified Water Operator in Pine Bluff, AR reported making $27 per hour
Pine Bluff, AR
7,6 - 15,000 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public
$51,404 Yearly
A Certified Water Operator in Arlington Heights, IL reported making $51,404 per year
Arlington Heights, IL
200 - 6 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$43,154 Yearly
A Certified Water Operator in Schenectady, NY reported making $43,154 per year
Schenectady, NY
6 - 1,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$26 Hourly
A Certified Water Operator in Killeen, TX reported making $26 per hour
Killeen, TX
3,000 - 7,6 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public
$44,644 Yearly
A Certified Water Operator in Brentwood, NY reported making $44,644 per year
Brentwood, NY
100 - 200 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$3,956 Monthly
A Certified Water Operator in Boise, ID reported making $3,956 per month
Boise, ID
1,000 - 3,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Public