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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Waste Water Treatment Operator in California is $86,504 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.
However, a Waste Water Treatment Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Waste Water Treatment Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $97,677 | $8,140 | $1,878 | $47 |
| Average | $86,504 | $7,209 | $1,664 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,822 | $6,735 | $1,554 | $39 |
City of Los Angeles, CA - Los Angeles, CA
Aerotek - Santa Barbara, CA
GrowthWise Search Partners - Sacramento, CA
Government Jobs - Placerville, CA
A Waste Water Treatment 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 Treatment 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 |
|---|---|
| Power Pla... Level Waste Water Treatment Operator | $74,706 |
| Waste Wat... Level Waste Water Treatment Operator | $86,898 |
| Power Pla... Level Waste Water Treatment Operator | $97,594 |
| Power Pla... Level Waste Water Treatment Operator | $112,979 |
| Power Pla... Level Waste Water Treatment Operator | $130,437 |
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 Treatment 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 Treatment Operator roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, MFG Durable, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Waste Water Treatment Operator positions in Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Waste Water Treatment Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Durable | $103,805 | $50.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Waste Water Treatment 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 | $97,677 | $8,140 | $1,878 | $47 |
| Average | $86,504 | $7,209 | $1,664 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,822 | $6,735 | $1,554 | $39 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Waste Water Treatment Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
jub.com
TIMNATH, CO
jub.com | TIMNATH, CO
Description: Professional Engineer (Water/Wastewater) Office Location: Fort Collins, CO Build More Than Infrastructure—Build Communities Position Overview:... more
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WILMINGTON, NC
Cape Fear Public Utility Authority | WILMINGTON, NC
Incumbents in this position serves as the team lead for Water Quality operations in the absence of the Water Quality Supervisor. This position coordinates ... more
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UPPER HOLLAND, PA
Sesame Place Philadelphia | UPPER HOLLAND, PA
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Park City Municipal Corporation
PARK CITY, UT
Park City Municipal Corporation | PARK CITY, UT
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Tincup Water Solutions LLC
STOCKDALE, TX
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The CDL operator (Hazmat) is responsible for the safe loading, transportation, and delivery of diesel product to various customer locations. Job tasks incl... more
3 Days Ago
jub.com
KENNEWICK, WA
jub.com | KENNEWICK, WA
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