How Much Does a Water Operator Make?

Updated March 01, 2025
As of March 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Water Operator in the United States is $39,715. While Salary.com is seeing that Water Operator salary in the US can go up to $47,439 or down to $31,774, but most earn between $35,559 and $43,758. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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Similar Job Salaries to Water Operator by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
Bountiful City
Water Operator
$56,611/yr
$47,221
$66,001
RANGE: $47,221 - $66,001
Village of New Glarus
Water Operator
$67,571/yr
$57,862
$77,280
RANGE: $57,862 - $77,280
$62,185/yr
$52,302
$72,069
RANGE: $52,302 - $72,069
Wharton-Smith
Operator - Water
$53,724/yr
$45,181
$62,266
RANGE: $45,181 - $62,266
$63,767/yr
$54,605
$72,929
RANGE: $54,605 - $72,929
City of Belgrade Montana
Water Operator
$44,761/yr
$37,787
$51,735
RANGE: $37,787 - $51,735
Veolia
Water Operator
$60,931/yr
$52,177
$69,686
RANGE: $52,177 - $69,686
Veolia Environnement SA
Water Operator
$60,931/yr
$52,177
$69,686
RANGE: $52,177 - $69,686
LMLC OPERATIONS LLC
Water Operator
$59,064/yr
$50,578
$67,550
RANGE: $50,578 - $67,550

Open Water Operator Jobs in the United States

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What Does a Water Operator Do?

For this reason, and to protect the financial investment of drinking water supplies, the Illinois EPA operates a Drinking Water Operator Certification Program that certifies the technical competency of operators of community water supplies.
Updated December 22, 2021
Public Water Supply: Certified Operator in Responsible Charge (CORC) Request for Information – Operator of Multiple Public Water Systems (available on the.
Updated December 22, 2021
Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators manage a system of machines to transfer or treat water or wastewater.
Updated December 20, 2021
These operators maintain equipment and processes to monitor and affect water as it moves through the treatment and distribution cycles.
Updated December 13, 2021
The Capacity Development, Operator Certification, and Permits Section safeguards public health by requiring new and current public water systems to demonstrate whether or not they have the technical, financial, and managerial capacity to sufficiently operate the plant.
Updated December 12, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Water Operator Salaries

What is the average of a Water Operator in the United States?

The Water Operator salary range is from $35,559 to $43,758, and the average Water Operator salary is $39,715/year in the United States. The Water Operator's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Water Operator salary in the United States?

The Water Operator salary in San Jose, CA is $49,843 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Water Operator's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Water Operator.

What is the growth rate of the Water Operator's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Water Operator or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Water Operator.

Recent Salary Report

Below are the most recent Water Operator salary reports. Employer name has been removed to protect anonymity.

$3,598 Monthly
A Water Operator in Twin Falls, ID reported making $3,598 per month
Twin Falls, ID
1,000 - 3,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Public
$47,254 Yearly
A Water Operator in Euclid, OH reported making $47,254 per year
Euclid, OH
100 - 200 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$38,099 Yearly
A Water Operator in Cedar Falls, IA reported making $38,099 per year
Cedar Falls, IA
200 - 6 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$17 Hourly
A Water Operator in Biloxi, MS reported making $17 per hour
Biloxi, MS
3,000 - 7,6 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public
$38,272 Yearly
A Water Operator in Wilson, NC reported making $38,272 per year
Wilson, NC
6 - 1,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$21 Hourly
A Water Operator in Bethlehem, PA reported making $21 per hour
Bethlehem, PA
7,6 - 15,000 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public