Position
Salary

How much does a Water Operator make?

The average salary for a Water Operator is $54,903 per year in the US.

A career as a Water Operator can offer a stable and rewarding income. The average yearly salary for this role stands at approximately $54,903. This figure reflects a solid earning potential for those who choose to work in this important field.


Water Operators work in various environments, from small community systems to large municipal water treatment facilities. Their salaries can vary based on factors like experience, location, and the size of the employer. For instance, those in larger cities often earn more compared to those in rural areas. The different salary brackets show the range that Water Operators can expect: from $32,000 for the lowest 10% to $93,690 for the top 10%. This spread offers a clear picture of what to aim for as one gains more experience and skills.

View Water Operator jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Water Operator?

Fort Collins, CO, offers one of the highest salaries for Water Operators, averaging $65,455 annually. Santa Maria, CA, and Tucson, AZ, follow closely with average salaries of $64,987 and $55,930, respectively. Columbia, MO, and Salt Lake City, UT, also provide competitive wages for this profession.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Water Operator jobs, highlighting Fort Collins, CO with the highest at $65,455 and Salt Lake City, UT with the lowest at $49,912.
  1. Fort Collins, CO
    Average Salary: $65,455
    In Fort Collins, clean water is vital. Workers manage water treatment plants to ensure safe drinking water. Key employers include the City of Fort Collins and Larimer County.
    Find Water Operator jobs in Fort Collins, CO


  2. Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $64,987
    Santa Maria relies on skilled water professionals to maintain its water systems. Employees often work for the City of Santa Maria, focusing on quality and efficiency. This role is crucial for the community's health.
    Find Water Operator jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  3. Tucson, AZ
    Average Salary: $55,930
    In Tucson, water operators play a key role in managing the city’s water supply. Workers may find jobs with entities like Tucson Water. This role helps keep the city’s water systems running smoothly.
    Find Water Operator jobs in Tucson, AZ


  4. Columbia, MO
    Average Salary: $50,251
    Columbia needs dedicated water operators to ensure its water systems run well. The city employs these professionals to keep water safe and clean. Working here means contributing to the community’s well-being.
    Find Water Operator jobs in Columbia, MO


  5. Salt Lake City, UT
    Average Salary: $49,912
    Salt Lake City relies on water operators to manage its water distribution and treatment. These professionals work for companies like Wasatch Water. This role ensures the city's water systems operate efficiently.
    Find Water Operator jobs in Salt Lake City, UT

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

Golden State Water Company stands out as a top employer for water operators, offering an attractive average salary of $61,332. This figure highlights the company's commitment to fair compensation for those working in essential water operations. Veolia follows closely, with an average salary of $59,522, making it another excellent choice for job seekers in this field. Both companies provide stable environments and opportunities for career growth, appealing to professionals looking for reliable and rewarding positions.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Water Operator jobs, highlighting Golden State Water Company with the highest at $61,332 and HKA Enterprises with the lowest at $43,322.
  1. Golden State Water Company
    Average Salary: $61,332
    Golden State Water Company offers excellent opportunities for Water Operators. They provide competitive salaries and benefits. This company operates in California and offers various roles in water treatment and distribution. Their focus on sustainability makes it an attractive place to work.


  2. Veolia
    Average Salary: $59,522
    Veolia is a global leader in water management. They offer diverse roles for Water Operators across the United States. Veolia values employee growth and offers extensive training programs. Their projects span from wastewater treatment to water conservation.


  3. City of Flagstaff, AZ
    Average Salary: $57,791
    The City of Flagstaff, Arizona, provides rewarding careers for Water Operators. They focus on clean and safe water for the community. Positions are available in water treatment and distribution. Flagstaff is known for its natural beauty, offering a unique living experience.


  4. City of Denton
    Average Salary: $57,052
    City of Denton offers stable jobs for Water Operators. They manage water services for the community. Opportunities exist in both water treatment and distribution. Denton is a vibrant city with a strong sense of community.


  5. City of Columbia, MO
    Average Salary: $48,251
    The City of Columbia, Missouri, provides essential water services. They hire Water Operators to ensure clean water for residents. Columbia offers a friendly and supportive work environment. The city is known for its rich history and culture.


  6. Inframark
    Average Salary: $47,098
    Inframark is a leading provider of infrastructure management services. They offer roles for Water Operators in various locations. Inframark focuses on sustainable and efficient water management solutions. Their projects cover a wide range of water services.


  7. Adient One LLC.
    Average Salary: $44,232
    Adient One LLC. provides Water Operator positions with a focus on innovation. They work on advanced water treatment technologies. Locations include several cities in the Midwest. Adient One values teamwork and professional growth.


  8. HKA Enterprises
    Average Salary: $43,322
    HKA Enterprises offers roles for Water Operators in water management and consulting. They have projects across the country. HKA Enterprises emphasizes sustainability and community service. They provide a supportive work environment.

How to earn more as a Water Operator?

Water operators can find many ways to increase their income. Experience and education lead to higher positions with better pay. Workers can also take on more responsibilities. Some operators seek certifications in specific areas of water treatment. Others may choose to work in larger cities where pay tends to be higher. Each of these steps can help an operator earn more.

Look at these five ways to increase income:

  1. Get more education: Operators can take classes to learn more about water treatment. These classes can lead to higher positions and more pay.
  2. Gain experience: Working longer in the field can lead to promotions. It can also lead to higher pay.
  3. Take on more duties: Operators can ask for more responsibilities. This can lead to higher pay and better job opportunities.
  4. Obtain certifications: Special training in areas like lab work or safety can lead to higher pay. These certifications show a higher skill level.
  5. Move to a higher-paying area: Working in a larger city or a place with higher living costs can lead to higher pay.

Currently 167 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
Overview
Water Operator
167 Job Openings