Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners
SOC Code: 47-4071Also known as:
Aseptic Tech (Aseptic Technician), Drain and Sewer Technician, Drain Cleaner, Drain Technician, Electric Sewer Cleaning Machine Operator
Median Annual Salary
$49,140
+7.6% growth (2024-2034)
3K
Openings/Year
30K
Current Jobs
What Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners Do
Clean and repair septic tanks, sewer lines, or drains. May patch walls and partitions of tank, replace damaged drain tile, or repair breaks in underground piping.
💰 Salary
$49,140
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+7.6%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
3K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
30,400
Projected Employment (2034)
32,700
Related Careers
Pipelayers
$48,710 •
-4.1% growth
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
$62,970 •
+4.5% growth
Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
$39,270 •
+4.9% growth
Maintenance and repair workers, general
$48,620 •
+3.8% growth
Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
$58,260 •
-6.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Equipment Maintenance
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Communicate with supervisors and other workers, using equipment such as wireless phones, pagers, or radio telephones.
- Drive trucks to transport crews, materials, and equipment.
- Inspect manholes to locate sewer line stoppages.
- Operate sewer cleaning equipment, including power rodders, high-velocity water jets, sewer flushers, bucket machines, wayne balls, and vac-alls.
- Prepare and keep records of actions taken, including maintenance and repair work.
- Clean and repair septic tanks, sewer lines, or related structures such as manholes, culverts, and catch basins.
- Measure excavation sites, using plumbers' snakes, tapelines, or lengths of cutting heads within sewers, and mark areas for digging.
- Service, adjust, and make minor repairs to equipment, machines, and attachments.
- Locate problems, using specially designed equipment, and mark where digging must occur to reach damaged tanks or pipes.
- Dig out sewer lines manually, using shovels.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners:
Plumbing Technology/Plumber
2,780 degrees awarded •
138 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners make?
The median annual salary for septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners is $49,140.
What education do septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners need?
Most septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Plumbing Technology/Plumber.
Is becoming septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners a good career choice?
Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners is projected to see +7.6% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 2,900 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners?
Top colleges for aspiring septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners include
Polytech Adult Education, Union County Vocational Technical School, Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Elizabethton, Dixie Technical College, Mountainland Technical College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners?
Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners may also be known as: Aseptic Tech (Aseptic Technician), Drain and Sewer Technician, Drain Cleaner, Drain Technician, Electric Sewer Cleaning Machine Operator, High Reach Operator, Pipe Cleaning Machine Operator, Priming Machine Operator, Public Works Operator, Public Works Technician, Reach Operator, Roto Rooter Operator, Septic Cleaner, Septic Pump Truck Driver, Septic Tank Cleaner, Septic Tank Service Technician, Septic Technician, Service Technician, Sewage Screen Operator, Sewer and Drain Technician.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.