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How much does a Water Operator make?

The average salary for a Water Operator is $54,858 per year in the US.

Water operators play an important role in ensuring clean and safe water. They work in treatment plants and distribution systems, often behind the scenes. Their job involves monitoring water quality and managing treatment processes. This work is crucial for public health.

Salary for water operators can vary based on experience and location. The average yearly salary is around $54,858. Here are some specifics:

  • 25% earn between $32,000 and $43,667.
  • 50% earn between $37,834 and $55,335.
  • 75% earn between $43,667 and $67,002.
  • Top earners make above $67,002 a year.
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What are the highest paying cities for a Water Operator?

Water Operator jobs offer competitive salaries in various cities. Santa Maria, CA, leads with an average salary of $64,987. Nearby, Fort Collins, CO, also offers strong pay at $64,754. These cities provide attractive opportunities for those in the water operations field. Southern job seekers can find good salaries in Tucson, AZ, and Phoenix, AZ, with averages of $56,143 and $54,843, respectively. Columbia, MO, and Salt Lake City, UT, round out the list with salaries of $49,908 and $49,762. These cities show promising options for professionals seeking a career in water operations.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Water Operator jobs, highlighting Santa Maria, CA with the highest at $64,987 and Salt Lake City, UT with the lowest at $49,762.
  1. Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $64,987
    Working in Santa Maria offers a mix of small-town charm and modern amenities. The Santa Maria Public Works Department is a key employer, providing stable opportunities. Residents enjoy a pleasant climate and beautiful coastal views.
    Find Water Operator jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  2. Fort Collins, CO
    Average Salary: $64,754
    In Fort Collins, professionals find a vibrant community with a strong focus on sustainability. The city's utilities department is expanding, offering various positions. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the proximity to the Rocky Mountains and abundant recreational activities.
    Find Water Operator jobs in Fort Collins, CO


  3. Tucson, AZ
    Average Salary: $56,143
    Tucson provides a warm climate and a growing economy, making it a great place for those in this field. The city's water utility seeks skilled operators. Nearby, the University of Arizona offers additional learning opportunities, enhancing career prospects.
    Find Water Operator jobs in Tucson, AZ


  4. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $54,843
    Phoenix offers a bustling job market for water professionals. The city's water services department is actively hiring. Warm weather and a rich cultural scene make this city an attractive option for new residents.
    Find Water Operator jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  5. Columbia, MO
    Average Salary: $49,908
    Columbia provides a balanced lifestyle with its vibrant university presence. The city's water services department is a leading employer. Those who work here benefit from a strong community and educational resources.
    Find Water Operator jobs in Columbia, MO


  6. Salt Lake City, UT
    Average Salary: $49,762
    Salt Lake City offers a dynamic environment for water professionals. The city’s water utility department provides numerous job opportunities. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the proximity to the Wasatch Mountains and a variety of recreational activities.
    Find Water Operator jobs in Salt Lake City, UT

What are the best companies a Water Operator can work for?

Job seekers looking for Water Operator roles can find some of the best opportunities with Golden State Water Company and Veolia. Golden State Water Company offers an average salary of $61,254, while Veolia provides $59,425. These companies lead in offering competitive compensation packages. Municipalities like the City of Denton and the City of Columbia, MO, also provide solid salaries, with averages around $57,347 and $48,511 respectively. Additionally, companies like Inframark, Adient One LLC, and HKA Enterprises offer attractive positions with salaries averaging between $44,333 and $43,322. These organizations provide valuable roles for those entering the Water Operator field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Water Operator jobs, highlighting Golden State Water Company with the highest at $61,254 and HKA Enterprises with the lowest at $43,322.
  1. Golden State Water Company
    Average Salary: $61,254
    Golden State Water Company offers rewarding opportunities for Water Operators. They manage water systems and treatment facilities across the state. Locations include San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Sacramento.


  2. Veolia
    Average Salary: $59,425
    Veolia provides essential water services to communities nationwide. Water Operators with Veolia work in treatment plants and distribution systems. They serve clients in major cities like New York, Chicago, and Miami.


  3. City of Denton
    Average Salary: $57,347
    The City of Denton employs skilled Water Operators to maintain clean water supply. They oversee treatment and distribution systems in Denton, Texas. This role is vital for ensuring public health.


  4. City of Columbia, MO
    Average Salary: $48,511
    Water Operators in the City of Columbia handle water treatment and distribution. They ensure safe water for residents in Columbia, Missouri. This position involves both maintenance and monitoring tasks.


  5. Inframark
    Average Salary: $44,333
    Inframark offers positions for Water Operators across various locations. They manage water systems for commercial and industrial clients. Water Operators with Inframark work in cities like Seattle, Denver, and Philadelphia.


  6. Adient One LLC.
    Average Salary: $44,232
    Adient One LLC. provides opportunities for Water Operators in industrial settings. They focus on water treatment and management for manufacturing facilities. Locations include Detroit, Cincinnati, and Kansas City.


  7. HKA Enterprises
    Average Salary: $43,322
    HKA Enterprises employs Water Operators in several locations. They manage water systems for public and private clients. This role involves treatment and distribution tasks in cities like Atlanta, Orlando, and Salt Lake City.

How to earn more as a Water Operator?

A Water Operator can improve their earnings by focusing on several key areas. By gaining more certifications and education, Water Operators can become more valuable to employers. Specialized training can lead to higher-paying positions. For example, obtaining a certification in water treatment or wastewater treatment can open doors to better opportunities.

Experience plays a crucial role in earning potential. Gaining several years of experience allows Water Operators to understand the job better and perform tasks more efficiently. Working in different environments, such as treatment plants or water distribution systems, also adds to an operator's skill set. Employers often value operators with a broad range of experiences. Climbing up the career ladder by taking on more responsibility and leadership roles can also lead to higher pay. Seeking out positions with greater duties can result in a higher salary. Finally, staying updated with the latest technologies and best practices in water treatment can make an operator more efficient and valuable.

The following factors can help a Water Operator earn more:

  1. Obtain more certifications and education.
  2. Gain experience in various environments.
  3. Seek positions with increased responsibility.
  4. Stay updated with the latest technologies.
  5. Continuously improve skills and knowledge.

Currently 155 Water Operator job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Water Operator in the US?

Learn what a Water Operator does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Water Operator today.
Position
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Water Operator
155 Job Openings