Position
Salary

How much does a Water Treatment Plant Operator make?

The average salary for a Water Treatment Plant Operator is $57,068 per year in the US.

Becoming a Water Treatment Plant Operator can lead to a stable career with good pay. On average, these professionals earn around $57,068 each year. This number can change based on various factors such as experience, education, and location.

Salary growth in this field often happens with more experience. Some operators start at the lower end of the scale, making around $34,000 per year. With several years of experience, salaries can rise significantly. Experienced operators can earn up to $100,000 annually. A few factors that can influence salary include the size of the treatment plant, the complexity of the work, and the specific location.

View Water Treatment Plant Operator jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Water Treatment Plant Operator?

Denver, CO, stands out as the highest-paying city for water treatment plant operators, offering an average salary of $86,628. Baltimore, MD, and Austin, TX, follow closely, with average salaries of $65,055 and $64,353, respectively. These cities provide strong earning potential for qualified candidates in this field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Water Treatment Plant Operator jobs, highlighting Denver, CO with the highest at $86,628 and Midland, TX with the lowest at $45,863.
  1. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $86,628
    In Denver, professionals can find rewarding work managing water treatment processes. The city’s water treatment facilities play a key role in ensuring clean water supply. Companies like Xcel Energy offer opportunities to contribute to Denver's water management system.
    Find Water Treatment Plant Operator jobs in Denver, CO


  2. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $65,055
    Baltimore offers a dynamic environment for those in water treatment. This city values skilled operators to maintain its water quality. Working for the Baltimore City Public Schools or the city’s water department, you’ll be part of a team dedicated to public health.
    Find Water Treatment Plant Operator jobs in Baltimore, MD


  3. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $64,353
    Austin is a growing city that relies on skilled workers to keep its water systems running smoothly. Companies like Austin Water provide a supportive environment for career growth. You will help maintain water quality for Austin’s expanding population.
    Find Water Treatment Plant Operator jobs in Austin, TX


  4. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $63,507
    Minneapolis offers numerous opportunities in water treatment. The city’s water treatment plants are vital for providing clean water to residents. Working with the Metropolitan Council or the City of Minneapolis, you’ll help keep the community healthy.
    Find Water Treatment Plant Operator jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  5. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $59,106
    Phoenix provides a unique setting for water treatment professionals. The arid climate presents special challenges, requiring skilled operators. Companies like the Salt River Project offer exciting roles to help manage the city’s water resources effectively.
    Find Water Treatment Plant Operator jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  6. Orlando, FL
    Average Salary: $53,656
    In Orlando, you will find a vibrant city that needs skilled operators to manage its water supply. Working with the City of Orlando or Orlando Utilities Commission, you will help ensure a steady water supply for this bustling area.
    Find Water Treatment Plant Operator jobs in Orlando, FL


  7. Midland, TX
    Average Salary: $45,863
    Midland offers a steady job market for those in water treatment. The city depends on skilled workers to maintain its water quality. Working with Midland Water and the city’s water department, you will help keep the community well-served.
    Find Water Treatment Plant Operator jobs in Midland, TX

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

GARRATT-CALLAHAN leads in offering high salaries for Water Treatment Plant Operators, with an average of $69,286 annually. This company provides good compensation along with valuable career growth opportunities. Woodard & Curran also pays well, with an average salary of $59,410 per year, making it another excellent choice for job seekers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Water Treatment Plant Operator jobs, highlighting GARRATT-CALLAHAN with the highest at $69,286 and Express Employment Professionals with the lowest at $47,400.
  1. GARRATT-CALLAHAN
    Average Salary: $69,286
    GARRATT-CALLAHAN offers rewarding roles for Water Treatment Plant Operators. They provide safe, clean water to communities. They work across the U.S., with major projects in California, Texas, and Florida.


  2. Woodard & Curran
    Average Salary: $59,410
    Woodard & Curran offers Water Treatment Plant Operator jobs focusing on sustainable water solutions. They work in many states. Major offices are in Maryland, Illinois, and New Jersey.


  3. Fresh Water Systems
    Average Salary: $49,000
    Fresh Water Systems hires Water Treatment Plant Operators to help provide clean water. They have offices in many parts of the country. Key locations are in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Arizona.


  4. Express Employment Professionals
    Average Salary: $47,400
    Express Employment Professionals places Water Treatment Plant Operators in various companies. They focus on finding the right match for both employers and employees. Locations include many states, with strong presence in New York, California, and Texas.

How to earn more as a Water Treatment Plant Operator?

Becoming a Water Treatment Plant Operator is a great career choice, but you might wonder how to earn more. There are several ways to increase your income in this field. Starting with experience, skill, and education can help you earn more. As you gain more experience, you often earn higher pay. Skills such as chemical treatment, lab analysis, and troubleshooting can also lead to better-paying positions. Education plays a key role, too. Advanced degrees or specialized training can open doors to higher-paying jobs.

Another way to earn more is to get certified. Different certifications can show employers that you have the skills needed for higher-paying jobs. For example, the National Water Examination Service offers several levels of certification. The higher the level, the more you can earn. Moving to a larger city or a region with a higher cost of living can also mean higher pay. Some employers offer bonuses for overtime or working in challenging conditions. Lastly, working for a company with better benefits can help increase your overall income.

  1. Gain more experience and skills
  2. Get specialized education and certifications
  3. Move to a higher-paying region or city
  4. Look for employers offering bonuses
  5. Choose companies with better benefits

Currently 157 Water Treatment Plant Operator job openings, nationwide.

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

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