How much does a Wastewater Operator make?
Wastewater operators play a crucial role in keeping our communities clean and healthy. They manage and monitor water treatment systems. This job is important and rewarding. The average yearly salary for a wastewater operator is around $54,499. This is a good income for many people. It offers a stable career path.
The salary for wastewater operators can vary based on experience and location. Those with more experience often earn more. Here are some average salaries for different experience levels:
- Entry-level: $34,000
- Early career: $39,875
- Mid-career: $45,751
- Experienced: $51,626
- Late career: $57,502
- Early post-career: $63,377
- Mid post-career: $69,253
- Late post-career: $75,128
- Very late post-career: $81,004
- Very early post-career: $86,879
- Very late post-career: $92,755
- Very late post-career: $98,630
What are the highest paying cities for a Wastewater Operator?
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $94,922
In Seattle, working in wastewater management offers a stable career with good pay. Companies like Seattle Public Utilities provide excellent opportunities. The city's focus on sustainability makes it a great place to grow.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $92,092
Los Angeles offers a dynamic environment for wastewater professionals. With major employers like LASAN, you'll find plenty of opportunities. The city's large infrastructure needs ensure steady work and career advancement.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $79,163
Denver provides a balanced lifestyle for those in wastewater operations. Working for Denver Water, you'll enjoy a competitive salary. The city's growing population increases job stability and growth potential.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $78,436
San Diego offers a pleasant climate and a strong job market for wastewater operators. Companies like the San Diego County Water Authority provide excellent career paths. The city's focus on environmental health creates many opportunities.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $73,608
San Jose is a tech hub with a strong need for wastewater management. Working for Santa Clara Valley Water, you'll find a stable job. The city's innovative environment offers many career growth opportunities.
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Tucson, AZ
Average Salary: $67,787
Tucson offers a growing job market for wastewater professionals. Companies like the Tucson Water provide good opportunities. The city's expanding population ensures steady work and career advancement.
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Colorado Springs, CO
Average Salary: $66,000
Colorado Springs offers a great quality of life for wastewater operators. Working for the City of Colorado Springs Utilities, you'll enjoy a stable job. The city's growing infrastructure needs provide many career opportunities.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $65,116
Portland offers a vibrant community for wastewater management professionals. Working for Portland Water Bureau, you'll find a supportive environment. The city's commitment to sustainability creates many job opportunities.
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Clarksville, TN
Average Salary: $62,193
Clarksville provides a friendly environment for wastewater operators. Working for the City of Clarksville, you'll enjoy a stable job. The city's growing population ensures steady work and career growth.
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Fresno, CA
Average Salary: $61,694
Fresno offers a growing job market for wastewater management. Companies like Fresno Water provide good opportunities. The city's expanding infrastructure needs ensure steady work and career advancement.
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What are the best companies a Wastewater Operator can work for?
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King County, WA
Average Salary: $105,325
King County, WA offers rewarding Wastewater Operator jobs. They manage water treatment and wastewater systems across the county. Locations include Seattle, Bellevue, and Kent. This role involves maintaining and monitoring water quality.
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City of Oxnard
Average Salary: $92,080
The City of Oxnard provides excellent opportunities for Wastewater Operators. They oversee water treatment and wastewater systems in Oxnard, CA. This role ensures the community's water systems run smoothly and efficiently.
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Federal Bureau of Prisons
Average Salary: $84,963
The Federal Bureau of Prisons offers competitive salaries for Wastewater Operators. They manage water systems in federal prisons across the country. This role is vital for maintaining clean and safe water for inmates and staff.
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City of Scottsdale
Average Salary: $72,252
The City of Scottsdale provides Wastewater Operator jobs with a focus on water treatment and wastewater management. They operate in Scottsdale, AZ. This role involves ensuring the city's water systems are clean and efficient.
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Town Of Cary
Average Salary: $64,087
The Town Of Cary offers Wastewater Operator positions in Cary, NC. They manage water treatment and wastewater systems. This role ensures the town's water systems are safe and reliable.
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Natural Systems Utilities
Average Salary: $61,728
Natural Systems Utilities provides Wastewater Operator jobs with a focus on water treatment and wastewater management. They operate in various locations. This role involves maintaining and monitoring water quality.
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American Water
Average Salary: $61,560
American Water offers Wastewater Operator jobs with a focus on water treatment and wastewater management. They operate in multiple states. This role ensures the community's water systems are clean and efficient.
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Veolia
Average Salary: $61,332
Veolia provides Wastewater Operator jobs with a focus on water treatment and wastewater management. They operate globally. This role involves maintaining and monitoring water quality.
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City of Charlotte, NC
Average Salary: $60,195
The City of Charlotte offers Wastewater Operator jobs in Charlotte, NC. They manage water treatment and wastewater systems. This role ensures the city's water systems are clean and efficient.
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North Texas Municipal Water District
Average Salary: $59,762
The North Texas Municipal Water District provides Wastewater Operator jobs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. They manage water treatment and wastewater systems. This role ensures the region's water systems are clean and efficient.
How to earn more as a Wastewater Operator?
Becoming a Wastewater Operator can lead to a rewarding career with good earning potential. To maximize earnings, consider these key factors:
- Education and Certification: Gaining higher levels of education and certifications can lead to higher pay. Advanced certifications in water treatment and management can open up more job opportunities and higher salaries.
- Experience: More experience often leads to higher pay. Working in the field for several years and gaining a solid understanding of wastewater treatment processes can make a significant difference in earnings.
- Location: Pay rates can vary greatly depending on the region. Urban areas and regions with a high demand for wastewater operators may offer higher salaries.
- Specialization: Specializing in a particular area, such as industrial wastewater treatment or advanced treatment technologies, can make an operator more valuable and lead to higher pay.
- Additional Skills: Skills such as computer programming, data analysis, and project management can make an operator more attractive to employers and can lead to higher-paying positions.
By focusing on these areas, Wastewater Operators can increase their earning potential and advance in their careers. Continuous learning and skill development are key to achieving higher pay and job satisfaction.
