Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent. They also complete on-the-job training. A state license is usually required; however, entry-level workers often complete their licensing requirements during on-the-job training. PayThe median annual wage for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators was $60,020 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators is projected to decline 6 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 10,000 openings for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators was $60,020 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators is projected to decline 6 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 10,000 openings for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators is projected to decline 6 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 10,000 openings for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators manage a system of machines to transfer or treat water or wastewater.
Work Environment
Most water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators are employed by local government. They typically work full time. Rotating shifts, including days, nights, and weekends, are common.
How to Become a Water or Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator
Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent. They also complete on-the-job training. A state license is usually required; however, entry-level workers often complete their licensing requirements during on-the-job training.
Pay
The median annual wage for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators was $60,020 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators is projected to decline 6 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 10,000 openings for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Most water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators are employed by local government. They typically work full time. Rotating shifts, including days, nights, and weekends, are common.
How to Become a Water or Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator
Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent. They also complete on-the-job training. A state license is usually required; however, entry-level workers often complete their licensing requirements during on-the-job training.
Pay
The median annual wage for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators was $60,020 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators is projected to decline 6 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 10,000 openings for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.