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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Waste Water Operator in North Carolina is $52,591 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
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 | $59,139 | $4,928 | $1,137 | $28 |
| Average | $52,591 | $4,383 | $1,011 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,268 | $3,856 | $890 | $22 |
Darling Ingredients Inc. - Fayetteville, NC
Darling Ingredients Inc. - Wadesboro, NC
Mountaire Farms - Siler City, NC
Mountaire Farms - Lumber Bridge, NC
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 | $47,290 |
| Waste Wat... Level Waste Water Operator | $53,030 |
| Waste Wat... Level Waste Water Operator | $59,776 |
| Waste Wat... Level Waste Water Operator | $91,540 |
| Waste Wat... Level Waste Water Operator | $104,449 |
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 | $65,738 | $32.0 | 25% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $63,109 | $30.0 | 20% |
| MFG Durable | $60,479 | $29.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $57,850 | $28.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $55,220 | $27.0 | 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 | $59,139 | $4,928 | $1,137 | $28 |
| Average | $52,591 | $4,383 | $1,011 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,268 | $3,856 | $890 | $22 |
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.
Darling Ingredients
Fayetteville, NC
Darling Ingredients | Fayetteville, NC
Waste Water Operator Certified. The Wastewater Operator controls water flows and processes through plant equipment and biological systems. Performs tests, ... more
11 Days Ago
Darling Ingredients
Fayetteville, NC
Darling Ingredients | Fayetteville, NC
Waste Water Operator I. The Wastewater Operator controls water flows and processes through plant equipment and biological systems. Performs tests, maintena... more
11 Days Ago
Mountaire Farms
Siler City, NC
Mountaire Farms | Siler City, NC
Job Description. Job Description. A Wastewater Level C Operator currently holds a Level I license ( May be in process of certification. employment is c... more
11 Days Ago
Pasquotank County, NC
Elizabeth City, NC
Pasquotank County, NC | Elizabeth City, NC
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator. Under general supervision, performs responsible technical and skilled work in the operation and minor maintenance of w... more
7 Days Ago
Inframark
Eden, NC
Inframark | Eden, NC
Join Inframark: Leading the Way in Water Management. Inframark's Operations and Maintenance team is an award-winning team that delivers cutting-edge water,... more
8 Days Ago
Inframark
Roxboro, NC
Inframark | Roxboro, NC
Join Inframark: Leading the Way in Water Management. Inframark's Operations and Maintenance team is an award-winning team that delivers cutting-edge water,... more
11 Days Ago
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