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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Wastewater Plant Operator in Georgia is $54,213 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, a Wastewater Plant Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Wastewater Plant Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $60,964 | $5,080 | $1,172 | $29 |
| Average | $54,213 | $4,518 | $1,043 | $26 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,696 | $3,975 | $917 | $23 |
Woodard & Curran - Atlanta, GA
Aerotek - Decatur, GA
Inframark - Conyers, GA
Inframark - Roswell, GA
A Wastewater Plant 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 Wastewater Plant 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 Wastewater Plant Operator | $48,749 |
| Wastewate... Level Wastewater Plant Operator | $54,666 |
| Waste Wat... Level Wastewater Plant Operator | $61,621 |
| Waste Wat... Level Wastewater Plant Operator | $94,365 |
| Waste Wat... Level Wastewater Plant Operator | $107,672 |
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 Plant 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 Wastewater Plant 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, Wastewater Plant Operator positions in Retail & Wholesale or Aerospace & Defense typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Wastewater Plant Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Nondurable | $67,767 | $33.0 | 25% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $65,056 | $31.0 | 20% |
| MFG Durable | $62,346 | $30.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $59,635 | $29.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $56,924 | $27.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Wastewater Plant 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 | $60,964 | $5,080 | $1,172 | $29 |
| Average | $54,213 | $4,518 | $1,043 | $26 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,696 | $3,975 | $917 | $23 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Wastewater Plant Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Saft America, Inc.
Valdosta, GA
Saft America, Inc. | Valdosta, GA
Wastewater Operator. We are seeking a skilled and dedicated Wastewater Operator to join our team. This position monitors the operation of the waste water t... more
7 Days Ago
FPL Food, LLC.
Augusta, GA
FPL Food, LLC. | Augusta, GA
Job Title. Responsibilities. Operate wastewater plant, monitor all equipment and chemicals to ensure effluent water meets applicable standards. Operate wat... more
8 Days Ago
Woodard & Curran
Douglas, GA
Woodard & Curran | Douglas, GA
Industrial Wastewater Operator. Woodard & Curran is an employee-owned engineering, science, and operations firm dedicated to clean water, a safe environmen... more
9 Days Ago
Inframark
Douglas, GA
Inframark | Douglas, GA
Join Inframark: Award-winning Employer of Water and Wastewater Operators. Our dedication to sustainability and community impact drives us to ensure clean, ... more
7 Days Ago
Inframark
Suwanee, GA
Inframark | Suwanee, GA
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
Hazlehurst, GA
Inframark | Hazlehurst, GA
Operator I - Wastewater Treatment. Build a Career Protecting Public Health and the Environment. Are you looking for a hands-on career with opportunities to... more
8 Days Ago
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