Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
SOC Code: 51-8031Also known as:
Basin Tender, Biosolids Management Technician (Biosolids Management Tech), Clarifying Plant Operator, Disposal Operator, Disposal Plant Operator
Median Annual Salary
$58,260
-6.5% growth (2024-2034)
11K
Openings/Year
132K
Current Jobs
What Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators Do
Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.
💰 Salary
$58,260
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-6.5%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
11K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Long-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
132,400
Projected Employment (2034)
123,800
Related Careers
Power plant operators
$99,670 •
-11.2% growth
Chemical plant and system operators
$73,540 •
-6.1% growth
Gas plant operators
$83,400 •
-8.8% growth
Top Skills Required
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Monitoring
Active Listening
Speaking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Collect and test water and sewage samples, using test equipment and color analysis standards.
- Operate and adjust controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose of sewage, and generate power.
- Record operational data, personnel attendance, or meter and gauge readings on specified forms.
- Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids.
- Inspect equipment or monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions.
- Direct and coordinate plant workers engaged in routine operations and maintenance activities.
- Clean and maintain tanks, filter beds, and other work areas, using hand tools and power tools.
- Maintain, repair, and lubricate equipment, using hand tools and power tools.
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 Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators:
Water Quality and Wastewater Treatment Management and Recycling Technology/Technician
905 degrees awarded •
53 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators make?
The median annual salary for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators is $58,260.
What education do water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators need?
Most water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Water Quality and Wastewater Treatment Management and Recycling Technology/Technician.
Is becoming water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators a good career choice?
Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators is projected to see -6.5% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 10,700 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators?
Top colleges for aspiring water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators include
Polytech Adult Education, Emily Griffith Technical College, Red Rocks Community College, Des Moines Area Community College, Pinellas Technical College-St. Petersburg.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators?
Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators may also be known as: Basin Tender, Biosolids Management Technician (Biosolids Management Tech), Clarifying Plant Operator, Disposal Operator, Disposal Plant Operator, Drinking Water Technician (Drinking Water Tech), Filter Tender, Filterer, Filtration Operator, Filtration Plant Operator, Industrial Waste Treatment Technician (Industrial Waste Treatment Tech), Liquid Waste Treatment Plant Operator, On-Site Wastewater Systems Technician (On-Site Wastewater Systems Tech), Plant Operator, Process Operator (Process Op), Purification Operator, Relief Operator, SCADA Operator (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Operator), Sewage Plant Operator, Sewage Treatment Plant Operator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.