As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Wastewater Operator Trainee in the United States is $47,559 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.
However, a Wastewater Operator Trainee's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Wastewater Operator Trainee'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Wastewater Operator Trainee'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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Wastewater Operator Trainee | $47,559 |
| Intermediate Level Wastewater Operator Trainee | $48,022 |
| Senior Level Wastewater Operator Trainee | $49,027 |
| Specialist Level Wastewater Operator Trainee | $49,228 |
| Expert Level Wastewater Operator Trainee | $49,362 |
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 Wastewater Operator Trainees. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 6.86% |
| Environmental Science | 1.88% |
| Preventive Maintenance | 1.64% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Budgeting
|
$76,094 |
60%
|
|
AutoCAD
|
$67,533 |
42%
|
|
Project Management
|
$66,582 |
40%
|
|
Resource Management
|
$65,631 |
38%
|
|
Surveying
|
$65,155 |
37%
|
|
Consulting
|
$64,204 |
35%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Wastewater Operator Trainees enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Wastewater Operator Trainee with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $40,356 and $44,917).
Wastewater Operator Trainee Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.8% |
| High School | 61.5% |
| Associates | 7.7% |
| Bachelors | 23.1% |
| Masters | 3.8% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Wastewater Operator Trainee'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.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Salaries for a Wastewater Operator Trainee can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $40,702 in 2023 to around $40,233 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Wastewater Operator Trainee salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $40,702 |
| 2024 | $40,616 |
| 2025 | $40,233 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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