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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Wastewater Plant Operator in New Jersey is $60,925 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
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 | $68,511 | $5,709 | $1,318 | $33 |
| Average | $60,925 | $5,077 | $1,172 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,601 | $4,467 | $1,031 | $26 |
Natural Systems Utilities - Allentown, NJ
Stratas Foods - Hillside, NJ
Woodard & Curran - Maple Shade, NJ
On Point Staffing Group - Wharton, NJ
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 | $54,784 |
| Wastewate... Level Wastewater Plant Operator | $61,433 |
| Waste Wat... Level Wastewater Plant Operator | $69,249 |
| Waste Wat... Level Wastewater Plant Operator | $106,047 |
| Waste Wat... Level Wastewater Plant Operator | $121,002 |
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 | $76,156 | $37.0 | 25% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $73,110 | $35.0 | 20% |
| MFG Durable | $70,064 | $34.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $67,017 | $32.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $63,971 | $31.0 | 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 | $68,511 | $5,709 | $1,318 | $33 |
| Average | $60,925 | $5,077 | $1,172 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,601 | $4,467 | $1,031 | $26 |
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.
Natural Systems Utilities
Clinton, NJ
Natural Systems Utilities | Clinton, NJ
Mobile Licensed Wastewater Operator. $ 5,000 Sign-On Bonus with Valid S2 Wastewater License. At Natural Systems Utilities, we are dedicated to providing su... more
9 Days Ago
California Stucco Products
Hackensack, NJ
California Stucco Products | Hackensack, NJ
Job Description. Job Description. Our company is looking for a highly motivated and experienced individual to join our team as a Plant Operator. As part of... more
5 Days Ago
Reworld
Camden, NJ
Reworld | Camden, NJ
Back Plant Operator. As a Back Plant Operator, you will be responsible for the safe, efficient, and environmentally sound operations of industrial systems ... more
5 Days Ago
Arcosa
Old Bridge, NJ
Arcosa | Old Bridge, NJ
Asphalt Plant Operator. Arcosa Aggregates is seeking an Asphalt Plant Operator based out of our Old Bridge Asphalt Plant to perform a critical role in dail... more
6 Days Ago
Arcosa Lightweight
Lafayette, NJ
Arcosa Lightweight | Lafayette, NJ
Job SummaryArcosa Aggregates is seeking a Plant Operator/Maintenance based out of our Beaver Run, NJ Quarry to support positive safety culture in an aggreg... more
7 Days Ago
System One Holdings, LLC
East Hanover, NJ
System One Holdings, LLC | East Hanover, NJ
Job Title:Blender/Chemical Plant OperatorLocation:East Hanover, New JerseyType:ContractCompensation:$28.00Contractor Work Model:OnsiteHours:M-F 6:00 a.m. 2... more
7 Days Ago
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