How Much Does a Water Treatment Plant Operator Make?

Updated May 01, 2025
As of May 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Water Treatment Plant Operator in the United States is $58,158. While Salary.com is seeing that Water Treatment Plant Operator salary in the US can go up to $77,615 or down to $40,536, but most earn between $48,934 and $68,343. 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 Treatment Plant Operator
Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator
$58,158
US
Per Year
Waste Water Treatment Plant Manager
$105,460
US
Per Year
Water Treatment Operator
$47,337
US
Per Year
Water Treatment Plant Manager
$113,723
US
Per Year
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Similar Job Salaries to Water Treatment Plant Operator by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
The Town of Waynesville
Water Treatment Plant Operator
$64,097/yr
$54,699
$73,495
RANGE: $54,699 - $73,495
Liberty Community Programs
Water Treatment Plant Operator
$63,113/yr
$53,860
$72,367
RANGE: $53,860 - $72,367
Stone Bridge Fire Dist-Water
Water Treatment Plant Operator
$74,068/yr
$63,208
$84,927
RANGE: $63,208 - $84,927
Oxford, City of (OH)
Water Treatment Plant Operator
$67,737/yr
$57,806
$77,668
RANGE: $57,806 - $77,668
Broward County
Treatment Plant Operator (Water)
$63,606/yr
$53,395
$73,816
RANGE: $53,395 - $73,816
Stone Bridge Fire District
Water Treatment Plant Operator
$74,068/yr
$63,208
$84,927
RANGE: $63,208 - $84,927
Greene County, OH
Water Treatment Plant Operator
$68,418/yr
$58,387
$78,450
RANGE: $58,387 - $78,450
Liberty Behavioral & Community Services, Inc.
Water Treatment Plant Operator
$63,113/yr
$53,860
$72,367
RANGE: $53,860 - $72,367
City of Neenah, WI
Water Treatment Plant Operator
$67,983/yr
$58,015
$77,950
RANGE: $58,015 - $77,950
Gulf Coast Water Authority
Water Treatment Plant Operator
$69,845/yr
$59,605
$80,085
RANGE: $59,605 - $80,085

Open Water Treatment Plant Operator Jobs in the United States

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What Does a Water Treatment Plant Operator Do?

Learn more about water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Updated December 19, 2021
All of which can be valuable information for those entering the field or advancing one’s knowledge once becoming a Water Treatment Plant Systems Operator.
Updated December 18, 2021
Consolidated Water’s PERC Water Receives Southwest Membrane Operator Association’s Outstanding Membrane Plant Award – Large Plant and Outstanding Operator Award – Large Plant.
Updated December 16, 2021
Risks associated with treatment facilities for water supply using raw water sources contaminated with SARS-CoV-2.
Updated December 14, 2021
Many others work for water, sewage, and other systems utilities and for waste treatment and disposal services.
Updated December 13, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Water Treatment Plant Operator Salaries

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

The Water Treatment Plant Operator salary range is from $48,934 to $68,343, and the average Water Treatment Plant Operator salary is $58,158/year in the United States. The Water Treatment Plant Operator's salary will change in different locations.

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

The Water Treatment Plant Operator salary in Santa Clara, CA is $73,355 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Water Treatment Plant 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 Treatment Plant Operator.

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

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

Recent Salary Report

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

$60,444 Yearly
A Water Treatment Plant Operator in Newark, OH reported making $60,444 per year
Newark, OH
200 - 6 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$5,421 Monthly
A Water Treatment Plant Operator in Hampton, VA reported making $5,421 per month
Hampton, VA
1,000 - 3,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Public
$30 Hourly
A Water Treatment Plant Operator in Athens, GA reported making $30 per hour
Athens, GA
3,000 - 7,6 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public
$65,545 Yearly
A Water Treatment Plant Operator in Knoxville, TN reported making $65,545 per year
Knoxville, TN
6 - 1,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$67,849 Yearly
A Water Treatment Plant Operator in Beaumont, TX reported making $67,849 per year
Beaumont, TX
100 - 200 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$25 Hourly
A Water Treatment Plant Operator in Bear, DE reported making $25 per hour
Bear, DE
7,6 - 15,000 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public