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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Waste Water Operator in Colorado is $56,464 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, a Waste Water Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Waste Water Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $63,496 | $5,291 | $1,221 | $31 |
| Average | $56,464 | $4,705 | $1,086 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,676 | $4,140 | $955 | $24 |
Government Jobs - Pagosa Springs, CO
Government Jobs - Loveland, CO
City and County of Denver - Denver, CO
Government Jobs - Loveland, CO
A Waste Water 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 Waste Water 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 |
|---|---|
| Waste Wat... Level Waste Water Operator | $50,773 |
| Waste Wat... Level Waste Water Operator | $56,936 |
| Waste Wat... Level Waste Water Operator | $64,179 |
| Waste Wat... Level Waste Water Operator | $98,283 |
| Waste Wat... Level Waste Water Operator | $112,143 |
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 Waste Water 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 Waste Water Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the MFG Nondurable and Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Waste Water Operator positions in Retail & Wholesale or Aerospace & Defense typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Waste Water Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Nondurable | $70,581 | $34.0 | 25% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $67,757 | $33.0 | 20% |
| MFG Durable | $64,934 | $31.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $62,111 | $30.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $59,288 | $29.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Waste Water 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 | $63,496 | $5,291 | $1,221 | $31 |
| Average | $56,464 | $4,705 | $1,086 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,676 | $4,140 | $955 | $24 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Waste Water Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
La Plata Archuleta Water District
Ignacio, CO
La Plata Archuleta Water District | Ignacio, CO
SUMMARY This position reports to the Distribution Systems Supervisor or General Manager and performs a variety of skilled labor duties in the installation,... more
10 Days Ago
Government Jobs
Golden, CO
Government Jobs | Golden, CO
Government Jobs - Full-Time - $21.72 - $35.46 Hourly We are currently recruiting for qualified applicants for a Water Treatment Plant Operator. This is a f... more
7 Days Ago
City of Golden
Golden, CO
City of Golden | Golden, CO
Water Treatment Plant Operator Position. We are currently recruiting qualified applicants for Water Treatment Plant Operator position. Come and see why the... more
8 Days Ago
City of Englewood Colorado
Englewood, CO
City of Englewood Colorado | Englewood, CO
Job Details. Description. POSITION SUMMARY. Under general supervision, performs operations and maintenance duties at the water treatment facilities. REPORT... more
10 Days Ago
Government Jobs
Greeley, CO
Government Jobs | Greeley, CO
Government Jobs - Full-Time - $21.54 - $41.83 Hourly DESCRIPTION/RESPONSIBILITIES: Job Summary: The City of Greeley Water & Sewer Department is seeking pro... more
7 Days Ago
Levy
Castle Rock, CO
Levy | Castle Rock, CO
Loader Operator/Water Truck Driver. Schmidt Construction part of the Levy Group of Companies is seeking a Loader Operator/Water Truck Driver to work at our... more
9 Days Ago
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