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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Wastewater Plant Operator in Iowa is $53,792 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 | $60,490 | $5,041 | $1,163 | $29 |
| Average | $53,792 | $4,483 | $1,034 | $26 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,325 | $3,944 | $910 | $23 |
City of Hartford - Sioux City, IA
Perdue Farms - Sioux City, IA
Smithfield Foods - Sioux Center, IA
Agropur - Hull, IA
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 | $48,370 |
| Wastewate... Level Wastewater Plant Operator | $54,241 |
| Waste Wat... Level Wastewater Plant Operator | $61,142 |
| Waste Wat... Level Wastewater Plant Operator | $93,631 |
| Waste Wat... Level Wastewater Plant Operator | $106,835 |
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 | $67,240 | $32.0 | 25% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $64,550 | $31.0 | 20% |
| MFG Durable | $61,861 | $30.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $59,171 | $28.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $56,482 | $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 | $60,490 | $5,041 | $1,163 | $29 |
| Average | $53,792 | $4,483 | $1,034 | $26 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,325 | $3,944 | $910 | $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.
PeopleService, Inc.
Missouri Valley, IA
PeopleService, Inc. | Missouri Valley, IA
Job Title. Location PO Box 382, 223 E Erie St, Missouri Valley, IA, 51555, United States. Job Category Iowa, Missouri Valley, Entry-level. Employee Type FT... more
5 Days Ago
PeopleService, Inc.
Carter Lake, IA
PeopleService, Inc. | Carter Lake, IA
Job Title. Location 950 E Locust St, Carter Lake, IA, 51510, United States. Job Category Iowa, Missouri Valley, Entry-level. Employee Type FT Exempt. Manag... more
7 Days Ago
Koch
Duncombe, IA
Koch | Duncombe, IA
Koch - - Responsibilities: Champion the PBM philosophy to develop the capability of the operations team. Drive culture within the team through Principled B... more
6 Days Ago
Koch Fertilizer
Wever, IA
Koch Fertilizer | Wever, IA
Your JobKoch Fertilizer Wever is looking for a Plant Operator to join our Ammonia, UREA, UAN, Nitric Acid & Utilities Operations teams. This Operator contr... more
7 Days Ago
Koch Industries
Duncombe, IA
Koch Industries | Duncombe, IA
Plant Operator. Koch Fertilizer is seeking a Plant Operator to join the Central Plains Nitrogen (CPN) team in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Being a leader in deliverin... more
7 Days Ago
Airgas, Inc.
Muscatine, IA
Airgas, Inc. | Muscatine, IA
Airgas, Inc. Responsibilities: Load and package dry ice daily in accordance with quality standards. Follow all safety and quality policies and procedures. ... more
6 Days Ago
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