Water Operator Salaries in California
How Much Does a Water Operator Make in California?
Updated March 01, 2025
As of March 01, 2025,
the average annual pay of Water Operator in California is $43,806.
While Salary.com is seeing that Water Operator salary in CA can go up to $52,325
or down to $35,047, but most earn between $39,221 and $48,265.
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.
Related Job Titles to Water Operator
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Similar Job Salaries to Water Operator by Company
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| Company | average base salary in (usd) | range |
|---|---|---|
|
Veolia Environnement SA
Lead Water/Wastewater Operator
|
$65,137/yr
|
RANGE: $55,647 - $74,627
|
|
ADAMS GROUP INC MASTER
Operator- Water Treatment Lead
|
$56,046/yr
|
RANGE: $47,587 - $64,505
|
|
City of Signal Hill
SENIOR WATER SYSTEMS OPERATOR
|
$90,862/yr
|
RANGE: $78,033 - $103,692
|
|
Hogue, Inc.
Water Jet Operator
|
$60,868/yr
|
RANGE: $53,702 - $68,034
|
|
City of Los Angeles
WATER UTILITY OPERATOR 5854 (A)
|
$77,411/yr
|
RANGE: $66,126 - $88,696
|
|
Golden State Water Company
Water Distribution Operator I
|
$75,422/yr
|
RANGE: $64,868 - $85,977
|
|
City of Vallejo, California
Water Treatment Plant Operator
|
$79,242/yr
|
RANGE: $67,624 - $90,860
|
|
Eastern Municipal Water District
Water Reclamation Plant Operator
|
$68,447/yr
|
RANGE: $58,990 - $77,904
|
|
Amtec Inc.
Water Distribution Operator I
|
$74,397/yr
|
RANGE: $63,985 - $84,808
|
Top 10 Highest Paying Cities For Water Operator Jobs in California
It is important to understand how location impacts your career prospects in the United States.
There are some cities where a Water Operator can find a job easily with a greater salary paid then achieve a higher standard of living.
Below is the top cities list for Water Operator job salaries in California.
Some cities can pay higher salaries for Water Operator jobs, which can indicate that there is a large demand for Water Operator positions in this city.
The following table shows top 10 cities where the Water Operator salary is higher than other cities in California.
San Jose takes first place in this list, followed by Santa Clara, Fremont.
The Water Operator salary is $49,843 in San Jose,
which is higher than the national average. There are 76 cities' Water Operator salary higher than national average in California.
The average salary for a Water Operator in California is $43,806,
but we found that the city with the highest salary for Water Operator jobs is San Jose, CA, and it is higher than Santa Clara.
Water Operator jobs in San Jose can have the opportunity to earn higher salaries than in other cities in California.
| CITY | ANNUAL SALARY | MONTHLY PAY | WEEKLY PAY | HOURLY WAGE |
| San Jose | $49,843 | $4,154 | $959 | $24 |
| Santa Clara | $49,843 | $4,154 | $959 | $24 |
| Fremont | $49,763 | $4,147 | $957 | $24 |
| San Francisco | $49,644 | $4,137 | $955 | $24 |
| Daly City | $49,644 | $4,137 | $955 | $24 |
| Berkeley | $48,453 | $4,038 | $932 | $23 |
| Oakland | $48,453 | $4,038 | $932 | $23 |
| Hayward | $48,373 | $4,031 | $930 | $23 |
| Antioch | $45,752 | $3,813 | $880 | $22 |
| Vallejo | $44,680 | $3,723 | $859 | $21 |
What Does a Water Operator Do?
Nevada’s Drinking Water Operator Certification Program protects public health and the environment by having certified drinking water operators in direct responsible charge of drinking water treatment plants and water distribution systems.
Updated December 12, 2021
However, it is highly recommended that public water systems put in place a succession plan so that there is a backup operator that can take on the duties of the Certified Operator in Responsible Charge (CORC).
Updated December 08, 2021
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators.
Updated December 05, 2021
Drinking Water Capacity Development, Operator Certification, Permits, and Backflow Prevention and Cross Connection Control Program.
Updated November 27, 2021
Information about registration required for water operation companies and licensing for water operators.
Updated November 19, 2021
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Explore JobArchitectFrequently Asked Questions About a Water Operator Salaries
What is the average of a Water Operator in California?
The Water Operator salary range is from $39,221 to $48,265, and the average Water Operator salary is $43,806/year in California.
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.
