Position
Salary

How much does a Water Operator make?

The average salary for a Water Operator is $54,518 per year in the US.

Water operators work to ensure that communities have clean and safe water. They monitor water systems and control equipment to maintain water quality. If you consider a career as a water operator, understanding the salary can help guide your decision.

Water operators earn a competitive salary. The average yearly salary for a water operator is about $54,518. Many new operators can expect to start in the lower range, while those with more experience can move up. The salary can vary based on factors like location, experience, and education. For example, operators with advanced training and certifications may earn more. This career offers a stable income and room for growth as you gain experience.

Here is a breakdown of what different levels of water operators might earn:

  • The lowest 10% earn about $32,450.
  • The next 20% earn between $32,450 and $43,658.
  • The middle 20% earn between $43,658 and $54,865.
  • The higher 20% earn between $54,865 and $77,281.
  • The top 10% earn more than $77,281 a year.
View Water Operator jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Water Operator?

Job seekers with a focus on Water Operator roles will find these cities offer competitive salaries. Fort Collins, CO, stands out with an average salary of $67,004. Santa Maria, CA, follows closely with an average salary of $64,987. These cities provide a promising environment for those in this profession. Tucson, AZ, Phoenix, AZ, Salem, OR, Columbia, MO, and Salt Lake City, UT also offer attractive salaries for Water Operators. Tucson, AZ, pays an average of $56,554, while Phoenix, AZ, pays $54,300 on average. Salem, OR, provides an average salary of $52,349, and Columbia, MO, offers $49,908. Salt Lake City, UT, pays an average of $49,112.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Water Operator jobs, highlighting Fort Collins, CO with the highest at $67,004 and Salt Lake City, UT with the lowest at $49,112.
  1. Fort Collins, CO
    Average Salary: $67,004
    Working in Fort Collins means contributing to one of the nation's cleanest and safest water systems. This thriving city provides stable employment and growth opportunities. Companies like the City of Fort Collins Water Utilities offer rewarding careers.
    Find Water Operator jobs in Fort Collins, CO


  2. Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $64,987
    Santa Maria's water operations are crucial for the community's well-being. Employees here enjoy a pleasant climate and a strong sense of community. The Santa Maria Valley Water Agency is a key employer in the region.
    Find Water Operator jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  3. Tucson, AZ
    Average Salary: $56,554
    In Tucson, professionals ensure the efficient distribution of water. The desert climate here presents unique challenges and learning opportunities. The Tucson Water department is a leading employer in the area.
    Find Water Operator jobs in Tucson, AZ


  4. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $54,300
    Phoenix offers a dynamic environment for those in the water industry. The city's growth creates many opportunities for career advancement. Employers like the Salt River Project provide excellent work conditions.
    Find Water Operator jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  5. Salem, OR
    Average Salary: $52,349
    Salem provides a supportive and collaborative atmosphere for water operators. Employees benefit from a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. The City of Salem's utilities department is a key employer.
    Find Water Operator jobs in Salem, OR


  6. Columbia, MO
    Average Salary: $49,908
    Columbia offers a balanced lifestyle and a growing job market. The city’s water systems are modern and well-maintained. The Columbia Water and Sewer offers stable employment and career growth.
    Find Water Operator jobs in Columbia, MO


  7. Salt Lake City, UT
    Average Salary: $49,112
    Salt Lake City provides a variety of challenges and opportunities for water operators. The city’s focus on innovation benefits employees. Employers like the Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities offer promising career paths.
    Find Water Operator jobs in Salt Lake City, UT

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

Golden State Water Company offers the highest average salary for Water Operator jobs at $59,831 per year. Veolia also provides a competitive salary of $59,425 annually. These top companies recognize the importance of water operations and reward employees with attractive pay packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Water Operator jobs, highlighting Golden State Water Company with the highest at $59,831 and HKA Enterprises with the lowest at $43,767.
  1. Golden State Water Company
    Average Salary: $59,831
    Golden State Water Company is known for its commitment to providing safe and clean water to communities. They offer competitive salaries and benefits to their Water Operators, who work in various locations across California.


  2. Veolia
    Average Salary: $59,425
    Veolia is a global leader in water management. They employ Water Operators in multiple states, ensuring water treatment and distribution services are efficient. Veolia values its staff and offers a solid compensation package.


  3. Town of Essex
    Average Salary: $51,283
    The Town of Essex provides essential water services to its residents. Water Operators in Essex enjoy a supportive work environment and a good salary. The company operates in Essex, providing essential services to the community.


  4. City of Columbia, MO
    Average Salary: $49,684
    The City of Columbia is dedicated to clean water for its citizens. Water Operators here manage local water systems. They offer a competitive salary and a chance to serve the community effectively.


  5. Inframark
    Average Salary: $44,809
    Inframark specializes in infrastructure services, including water management. They employ Water Operators in various regions. The company is known for its supportive work culture and good pay.


  6. Adient One LLC.
    Average Salary: $44,564
    Adient One LLC focuses on water and wastewater services. They provide good salaries for Water Operators in multiple locations. The company values its employees and offers a stable work environment.


  7. HKA Enterprises
    Average Salary: $43,767
    HKA Enterprises offers essential water management services. Water Operators here work in various locations and enjoy a fair salary. The company emphasizes community service and employee well-being.

How to earn more as a Water Operator?

Becoming a highly skilled Water Operator opens the door to many opportunities for career advancement and higher pay. It is important to focus on continuous learning and gaining experience to maximize earning potential. One way to do this is by becoming certified in specialized areas of water treatment and distribution. Certifications can lead to higher-paying positions.

Another factor is gaining experience in different areas of water operations. Working in various roles can help build a broad skill set. This can make an operator more valuable to potential employers. Moving to a larger city or urban area can also lead to higher pay. These places often have higher salaries for water operators due to higher living costs and greater demand for skilled workers.

Networking with other professionals in the field can provide opportunities for career advancement and higher pay. Attending industry events and joining professional organizations can help build connections. These connections can lead to new job opportunities and higher salaries.

Here are five factors that can help a Water Operator earn more:

  1. Obtain specialized certifications in water treatment and distribution.
  2. Gain experience in different areas of water operations.
  3. Work in larger cities or urban areas with higher salaries.
  4. Network with other professionals in the field.
  5. Attend industry events and join professional organizations.

Currently 94 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
94 Job Openings