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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Waste Water Operator in Tennessee is $51,716 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 | $58,156 | $4,846 | $1,118 | $28 |
| Average | $51,716 | $4,310 | $995 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,499 | $3,792 | $875 | $22 |
City of Lebanon TN - Lebanon, TN
City of Lebanon TN - Lebanon, TN
City of Lebanon TN - Lebanon, TN
PILGRIM'S - Chattanooga, TN
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 | $46,504 |
| Waste Wat... Level Waste Water Operator | $52,148 |
| Waste Wat... Level Waste Water Operator | $58,782 |
| Waste Wat... Level Waste Water Operator | $90,018 |
| Waste Wat... Level Waste Water Operator | $102,713 |
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 | $64,645 | $31.0 | 25% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $62,059 | $30.0 | 20% |
| MFG Durable | $59,474 | $29.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $56,888 | $27.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $54,302 | $26.0 | 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 | $58,156 | $4,846 | $1,118 | $28 |
| Average | $51,716 | $4,310 | $995 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,499 | $3,792 | $875 | $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.
Government Jobs
Smyrna, TN
Government Jobs | Smyrna, TN
Government Jobs - Full-Time - See Position Description PAY & BENEFITS : Hiring Range: $42,864 - $47,150 Full Range: $42,864 - $64,896 In addition to the ba... more
7 Days Ago
J Cumby Construction Inc
Cookeville, TN
J Cumby Construction Inc | Cookeville, TN
Job Description. Job Description. Company Overview. J. Cumby Construction is a fully licensed general contractor specializing in water and wastewater treat... more
8 Days Ago
City of Johnson City
Johnson City, TN
City of Johnson City | Johnson City, TN
Water Plant Operator I. The City of Johnson City, Tennessee is currently accepting applications for a Water Plant Operator I with Water & Sewer Services. T... more
7 Days Ago
City of Kingsport, Tennessee
Kingsport, TN
City of Kingsport, Tennessee | Kingsport, TN
Job Title. Skilled work involved in the operation of a water or wastewater treatment plant to produce quality potable water or wastewater effluent in compl... more
8 Days Ago
J Cumby Construction Inc
Cookeville, TN
J Cumby Construction Inc | Cookeville, TN
Job Description. Job Description. Company Overview. J. Cumby Construction is a fully licensed general contractor specializing in water and wastewater treat... more
7 Days Ago
J Cumby Construction Inc
Lewisburg, TN
J Cumby Construction Inc | Lewisburg, TN
Job Description. Job Description. Company Overview. J. Cumby Construction is a fully licensed general contractor specializing in water and wastewater treat... more
7 Days Ago
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